<p>How many essays do you have to write for the Application? And also, i know there are the standard questions, but there's also the "topic of your choice" is it better to do this optional one?</p>
<p>Well if you're doing the common app with a supplement[which is exclusive now???? not really sure], but anyway, you have to do the main common app essay, the personal statement, and an optional essay from the supplement. As for the topic of your choice it neither helps nor hurts in the sense that not one essay is found to be preferable by the admissions committee, though I know I did the topic of my choice because I don't like to be limited in the range of my essay, but that's just me, though there really is no better route, but rather the essay choice that results in your best essay would be wisest.</p>
<p>I would think it would be a good practice to assume that there are no "optional" essays. If you're trying to knock em out with your application, I'd think opting out of an essay would be counterproductive.</p>