Why X Essay Integrated Into PS Forum

[Anonymous User]

Is there a benefit to writing a separate Why X essay if you can integrate it into your PS. The reasons I want to go to those particular schools are included in my PS, and I don't want to seem repetitive. Do schools like Duke, UVA, U Mich, and Penn want to see a separate essay or do they just care that you've made the effort to tailor your PS to their school?

[20171lhopeful]

wondering the same thing actually? I'm wondering if it will hurt you with adcoms if they ask for a WHY X optional essay, but you already said that in your PS...Any advice?

[cavalier1138]

I didn't write a single "Why [X]" essay, but I included a paragraph in my PS that I tailored to individual schools. The only school where it may have hurt me was Michigan, but I'm 90% sure I was waitlisted for YP reasons, not for weaknesses in my app.