targeted PS vs why x addendum Forum

[thebigspoon]

Would it be better to only send a targeted PS or have a general PS paired with a why x addendum/why x optional essay? Anyone know what the general consensus is? Thanks!

[TooOld4This]

I'm not sure you understand the purpose of the PS. There really shouldn't be such a thing as a "targeted" PS. A PS is supposed to be personal. It is supposed to give the reader a sense of the type of person you are, what your experiences are, and what you would bring to a classroom. It should be a piece where you "show," not "tell."

If a school wants to find out why you want to go there, they will ask for that in a separate essay. Don't spend time in an essay that should distinguish you from the thousands of other applicants talking about the school.

[MumofCad]

I don't think it matters one way or the other. I have seen successful targeted PSs, including one to Harvard (yes, fit into those 2 tiny pages). Just depends on whether it fits naturally into what you are writing.