<p>I've just returned from a month of recruitment in Asia, where I fielded more than a few questions about our supplement, and the optional essay in particular. I really want to open a thread on the optional essay in particular, where members of the CC community can come and get advice about the purpose of the Optional Essay and how to tackle the questions. And because this is the internet, where one can do basically whatever one pleases, I can do what I want and so I'm starting a thread.</p>
<p>And to get the ball rolling, I'm eager to answer the most common question I get regarding the Optional Essay. Just yesterday, a current freshman (admitted ED) came by to say hello and we talked about how he struggled to write an optional essay, one he didn't feel like writing, until his guidance counselor showed him a blog post from the dean (Myths</a>, Viral Rumors, and Old Wives Tales). He didn't end up writing an optional essay.</p>
<p>**Question: Is it really optional?</p>
<p>Answer: Oh god, it really is. **</p>
<p>And here is the explanation for why. The odd paradox of a college application is that you (the applicant) actually want me to get through your app quickly. The faster I can make it through, the easier it is to remember and reflect on the important parts of your file once I'm done. You don't want to dilute the potency of your app with writings or recommendations that don't add, that distract from valuable insight that is present, that leave me wondering why it was that I just read something unnecessary.</p>
<p>If you read the optional essay questions, and one of them strikes your fancy, one of them seems like something you might actually enjoy answering, you should write one. That energy comes through, and you will likely reveal something important about yourself. My application reading schedule for regular decision (ED is easier) consists of 60-80 hour weeks for two months. It is ok to give me less to read. If you wrote it and don't feel fondly about what you've written, I am likely to feel the same way. Please don't write an optional essay just because you feel like you "should"; instead, give that energy and time to the other Tufts essays that aren't optional, or to your other applications.</p>
<p>For question 6a “Use an 8.5 x 11 inch sheet of paper to create something. Blueprint your future home, create a new product, draw a comic strip, design a costume or a theatrical set, compose a score, or do something entirely different. Let your imagination wander.”</p>
<p>How are we supposed to upload the final work? Can it only be sent by mail?</p>
<p>Is it a problem if you’d like to do the Youtube video option, but don’t have a nice video camera? I really want to make a video, but I’m a little worried that the quality of the video might not be the best.</p>
<p>nolagirl, last year I spent an afternoon looking at the videos that Tufts applicants had posted on Youtube. One thing that really struck me in looking at them was how differently people approached it. For some, it was an opportunity to share amazing film editing and production skills. For others, it was simply an easy way to show something–set up the camera and demonstrate. Across all the levels of technology, there were a lot of real gems.</p>
<p>I have to give Tufts a lot of Credit for the way they handle the Application/Admissions process. With all the Common Applications and Score Choice and other things that come into play during this process you have allowed my son the opportunity to really think about who he is and what he has become and what he wants to be as a result some of the additional work required for your essays, alumni interview, etc… Regardless of how it turns out for him, thank you and have a great holiday season.</p>
<p>Both my kids thought that certain colleges’ essays were life-focusing for them in that they had to really thinking about who they were and what they wanted. Both came out of the the process feeling they’d written the best essays of their lives and having a road map for their futures.</p>
<p>I will say, as the parent of a Tufts freshman, the place walks the talk, too. S2 has been very happy with his experiences so far.</p>