<p>Weasel8488 - yeah, we were both in the same admission cycle (this past year's early action cycle to be more specific), and we're twins. Talking to other acceptees, many of them did write the supplemental essay, but a fairly significant number didn't. I think the necessity of the optional essay really varies from applicant to applicant, depending on what they have/haven't included in the other parts of the application.</p>