<p>For my common application, I wrote a story. It also seems that a lot of people have kept writing the stories for their supplements as well. I’m applying to NYU, Columbia, Harvard, UPenn, UChicago, and Georgetown. For each of their supplements, I didn’t write a story. I spoke in first person, (I wanted it to be as personal as possible), to the admissions group. Is this a bad technique? Or should I scrap it for stories? I’m really confused.</p>
<p>If this is the technique you are most comfortable with then go for it.</p>
<p>It’s definitely fine to address the reader as long it fits well with your tone. I used it in one of my more humorous essays, but I can see it being effective if you’re writing earnestly too. Just be sure you don’t sound like you’re begging them!</p>
<p>I submitted my supplements already and I’m pretty sure that I didn’t come across as if I were begging. (I hope not.) 
But, thank you for your feedback! I kept it in mind while reviewing my short answers/essays.</p>