So 1 of the schools I am applying to has an optional essay I could complete at the end of the application. I could easily get into the school with my grades (Average ACT: 22, My ACT: 25, Average GPA: 3.57, My GPA: 4.125, Acceptance rate 70%). Should I take the time to complete the essay?
Yes, if you don’t fill it out the college will know that you see them as an emergency safety and will effect their yield. Show them that you’re interested, and if you’re not interested enough to write out an essay then you probably shouldn’t apply, even as a safety.
Does the school give merit aid? The stronger your app, the better your chances for that. As a general rule, it is best to treat most “optional” items as something you should do, especially essays.
@ADonkeyFly That’s a good point. I never thought of it like that. I’ll begin working on the essays tomorrow.