When the first colleges announced they were dropping supplemental essays this year, many students had the same reaction:
“Great! Less writing.”
At first glance, it certainly seems that way.
Several colleges, including Tulane, UNC Chapel Hill, and Washington University in St. Louis, have reduced or eliminated supplemental essays for this application cycle. According to admissions officials, the goal is to simplify the application process and make applying more accessible to students.
While that sounds like welcome news, we believe it also changes the admissions strategy.
For years, supplemental essays gave students multiple opportunities to tell their story. A student who wrote a decent personal statement could still stand out with a thoughtful “Why Us?” essay or a compelling response about their experiences, values, or goals.
When those essays disappear, so do those extra opportunities.
That makes the Common App personal statement more important than ever. At many colleges, it may be the only substantial piece of writing an admissions officer reads. Students can no longer think of it as just another requirement. It has to leave a lasting impression.
There’s another change families should keep in mind.
When colleges require fewer essays, applying becomes easier. And when it’s easier to apply, colleges often receive more applications. If the size of the freshman class doesn’t change, acceptance rates may become even more competitive.
So while students may spend less time writing, getting admitted may not become any easier.
What Does This Mean for Students?
It means every part of the application has to work harder.
A strong personal statement is only one piece of the puzzle. The Activities List, letters of recommendation, course selection, and even the Additional Information section all become more important when there are fewer opportunities for students to speak directly to admissions committees.
This is why we encourage students to begin their essays early, revise thoughtfully, and develop an overall application strategy instead of treating each section as a separate task.
At American College Counselors, we’ve always believed that successful applications tell one consistent story. As the admissions landscape continues to evolve, that philosophy is becoming even more important.
Fewer essays don’t necessarily make the process easier. They simply mean that every word—and every part of the application—has to count.