Personal Statement vs Supplemental Essay

This post will be short and sweet.

College applications require two essays, the personal statement and the supplemental essay (otherwise known as the college specific essay). Today we explore if there is a difference.

The answer is a resounding yes! We beg you, please do not, under any circumstances, use the same essay for both components.

So what are the differences you ask?

The difference is the purpose of the essay. The personal statement is about showing the admissions counselor who you are as an individual. What personal characteristics do you possess? How can you positively contribute to the institution's community? Do you align well with the college's values?

The supplemental essay is all about your fit with the institution. Why did you choose to apply to that specific major? Why did you choose that institution? How can you achieve your academic and career goals there? What makes them unique to you?

Your application is the story of you. Think of the essays as two acts in that story, one is showing your personal side and one is showing your professional side. So, what story do you want to tell the admissions counselor?

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