How important is the optional app items?

<p>Will I have a much less opportunities to get in if I don’t answer to the “short” answer questions? 2500 characters for one question, that’s like I’m writing essays…</p>

<p>I would like to know this too…</p>

<p>If it helps any (and sorry to hijack the OP’s thread), I have all the numbers and ECs to get in relatively easily, but I’m afraid that not submitting an essay/recs will be disadvantageous to my app and if they have Tufts syndrome… :/</p>

<p>I would recommend writing them. If you end up going to Baylor, you’ll want to take as many steps as possible early on to set yourself ahead of the pack, which is hard to do at Baylor. The majority of the students there will be doing their best to get ahead, as well, so taking steps early on, even just things like writing optional essays on the application, will show that you are willing to go the extra mile and help you develop those habits early on. Another thing about Baylor is that you never know just what they will find to give you a random scholarship for. I’ve had friends get notified of receiving scholarships at Baylor for all manner of things, just because their department thought they deserved it. With the price tag attached to a Baylor education, you will definitely want to do everything in your power to get scholarships. It’s totally worth the cost to go there (this is coming from someone who just graduated), but that doesn’t ease the pain of the high price any when it comes to actually paying for it.</p>

<p>Good luck!</p>

<p>Thank you!!! I will finish the essays in several days. Though I don’t think I will get more scholarships, I should do my best, showing them my willingness of getting in. Thanks again!</p>