2010-08-04, 01:01 PM
In general it just depends on which university you want to attend, which is again all discovered with research into your specific schools. But a lot of schools lately are taking both, especially in the Midwest and East coast.
EDIT: In response to above statement about the essays:
They're definitely very important, as they give the school a sense of who you are as a person, not just in the sense of how well you can write, but your character, personality, and history. To prepare for writing a good essay, my best recommendation would be to find out who you are, to the best of your ability. I knew myself very well Senior year when writing the essay, so I had no trouble with it, but looking back a year later I realize I didn't fully know who I was. Case in point? Don't worry about knowing who you are COMPLETELY, or coming to terms with everything, or whatever the case may be; the essay is not some deadline for you discovering yourself. Rather, take the time beforehand to do a little soul-searching so you can confidently write something from the heart.
EDIT: In response to above statement about the essays:
They're definitely very important, as they give the school a sense of who you are as a person, not just in the sense of how well you can write, but your character, personality, and history. To prepare for writing a good essay, my best recommendation would be to find out who you are, to the best of your ability. I knew myself very well Senior year when writing the essay, so I had no trouble with it, but looking back a year later I realize I didn't fully know who I was. Case in point? Don't worry about knowing who you are COMPLETELY, or coming to terms with everything, or whatever the case may be; the essay is not some deadline for you discovering yourself. Rather, take the time beforehand to do a little soul-searching so you can confidently write something from the heart.