Is the personal essay optional for transfer applicants at Harvard?

Transfer Students
1

<p>-do--do-do-</p>

2

<p>It says right on the application.</p>

3

<p>I'll put it this way. It's "optional" in the sense that if you do not include an essay, YOU WILL NOT GET IN.</p>

4

<p>Yeah, but I don't see what arrogant SOB would think they are so cool as to not tell more about themselves. Did anyone not write a personal statement?</p>

5

<p>well it does have a big gray square blocking that entire section.</p>

6

<p>
[quote]
well it does have a big gray square blocking that entire section.

[/quote]
</p>

<p>Yeah, I just attached my essay. I think it was one of those intelligence tests where you have to overcome adversity. I was like "Geee I want to write a personal staement but there is a big grey block, what do I do?" But then, I got high, and the idea how to overcome the obsticle came to me!</p>

7

<p>
[quote]
Yeah, but I don't see what arrogant SOB would think they are so cool as to not tell more about themselves. Did anyone not write a personal statement?

[/quote]
</p>

<p>I know at least two people who didn't and got in.</p>

8

<p>yeah not that it doesn't help to write the essay...but harvard even says on their website that they want transfers with a solid focus...implying a more academic oriented application.</p>

9

<p>yep. and so does yale. good times.</p>

<p>
[quote]
Each year the Committee admits a small number of transfer students who present clearly defined academic needs for transfer, supported by both a proven record of achievement at the college level and strong faculty recommendations.

[/quote]
</p>

10

<p>So does that mean that the personal essay does not carry much weightage?</p>