<p>I understand that there is an option to submit a video for the Tufts application, but is it discouraged to avoid the video and opt to submit one of the written essay prompts instead? Is it frowned upon? I feel like I can write a much better essay that says more about me than a 1 minute video.</p>
<p>It’s definitely not frowned upon to do that. In fact, even writing the optional essay is truly optional, says one of the admissions officers who posts here every so often.</p>
<p>The video supplement is a great way to express your creativity and personality but if you are uncomfortable in that format, better to do an essay. My son’s video supplement was very original and somewhat risky, but it gave a very specific portrait of who he was and how he saw himself at Tufts. It was a good fit with everything else he submitted and pulled it all together in a clever way. But he thought about it a lot and put a lot of time into creating it.</p>
<p>Well I actually already have an essay written, and I find it very insightful into my personality- my essay was for the prompt “What makes you happy?”- so it won’t put me at a disadvantage for ED 1?</p>
<p>If you think you’ve got a good essay that effectively communicates your “voice,” as the Tufts Dean of Admissions describes it, then that’s the way to go.</p>
<p>not at all. go with the written essay!</p>
<p>You should do whatever you do best. My son knew from the minute he saw the Tufts application two years ago which supplemental essay he wanted to write. (It was an alternate history question.) It was a great way for him to show his strengths. (History, humor, creative writing.)</p>
<p>I was happy with my regular application and opted not to do an optional essay and was admitted ED2… they’re not being dishonest when they say optional means optional.</p>