Your work isn't done once you finish the main Common App personal statement. Many colleges require one or more supplemental essays to help them get to know students better. Some of the most frequent supplemental essays include questions about intended major or future career goals; essays asking students to go into detail about a significant extracurricular activity; and responses asking students why they want to go to school "X."

This last one (often called a "Why this College" essay) helps colleges identify the students who are truly interested in their college (aka, likely to enroll), versus those who just checked another box off on the Common App. It also helps colleges (and you!) think about "fit,"—so use this as an opportunity to discover how you might contribute to or flourish in a given college environment. Some things to keep in mind before tackling this type of essay:

• If you have any interest in a college, you should write every suggested/optional essay*; if you don't, it's the first clue to admissions officers you aren't serious about the school.
• Don’t be vague. Language about "expanding your worldview" and "meeting new people" might sound great, but phrases like this can apply to any college experience, so be sure your essay isn't filled with them.
• Visit the school (in person if you can, but official online info sessions also count). This is the best way to gather information for those all-important “Why this College” essays and speak with authority on the vibe and culture of the school.
• Read the website. And the missions statement. And the departmental page for your intended major. And the course offerings. And the activities and clubs page. You get the idea—research the school, so you can be specific in the essay. "Beautiful campus" and "amazing cafeteria" don't count as specifics.

Some admissions officers report reading the supplements even more carefully than the personal statements, making them an important component of your overall application.

*The advice to complete ALL supplements does not refer to any optional COVID impact essay or the "additional circumstances" prompts, which you can usually skip if you have nothing to add. But "Why this College" or other college-specific prompts should be addressed!