<p>The optional essay lists some "possible topics". Does that mean I can write about whatever I want, or do I have to restrict myself to those topics?</p>
<p>Uhh what do you think...</p>
<p>Theoneo's right- by saying <em>possible</em> topics, it clearly states you don't have to restict yourself to those.</p>
<p>HOWEVER, it's not necessarily a good idea. Just because there IS an optional essay doesn't mean they want you to write another finely-tuned 500 word essay. It's mostly for additional information of one form or another. If your topic doesn't fit the possible topics, it might not be the sort of additional essay they're looking for.</p>
<p>The best advice I can give you is that if you're really not sure whether you should write another essay or not, don't bother writing it. After all, I didn't bother writing anything for it and I got into Harvard. Neither did my two roomates here, or any of the people across the hall. IT REALLY IS OPTIONAL.</p>
<p>I'd just suggest not to write the kind of essay that you would for the standard required one. That's all they wanted. It's not a chance to show them you'll do extra work, it's a chance to show them some additional information if want to.</p>