Essays....are they absolutely necessary?

<p>My D submitted her application, but on the website it states that the two essays are optional. Do you think they are necessary? Stats-1380/3.6/4.1w/top 6%.</p>

<p>I would not leave it to question. I'd have her do the essays. Both my daughters wrote them...and the extra one for Honors.</p>

<p>Also ask about the University Scholarship for Freshmen (~$9,000 over 4 years). I'd suggest applying early (as soon as the Fall semester opens in August) - after visiting Admissions, again - early. The scholarship money runs out fast.</p>

<p>Then promptly apply for Housing as soon as she sees on the web she's admitted.</p>

<p>SB2:
I looked at the printed application form <a href="http://admissions.fsu.edu/images/pdf/ugapp.pdf%5B/url%5D"&gt;http://admissions.fsu.edu/images/pdf/ugapp.pdf&lt;/a>
It does not indicate that the essays are optional. It says freshmen applicants MUST submit the application form, $30 fee, transcipts, SAT/ACT, 2 essays, residency statement and contact the academic dept for certain highly competitive majors. I would make sure she sends in the two short personal statement essays so nothing holds up her admission, possible scholarship award money and early dormitory priority.</p>

<p>I've had friends who got in without writing the essays, and ive seen it on the website that theyre optional, but I would still write them. You can just do the common application for all the florida schools and use the same essays, and its better safe than sorry.</p>