Mount Holyoke Optional Essays

Hi! HSSR here applying to Mount Holyoke for Fall 2023. I’m just wondering if doing the optional essays (the Why Us/This or That) makes a huge difference in your application and if it would hurt to not apply with one of them.

Thank you!

Optional essays are, in my opinion, not really optional. Unless you are a highly desirable hooked applicant, do the essays. Not doing them is not ideal, especially because there is almost no reason not to.

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My kid’s guidance counselor said optional essays are not optional if you want to maximize your chance of admission. Write the essays.

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