<p>as the thread title implies, is the optional essay truly optional? Doe sit decrease your chances of admission...the topic I was going to write about was covered in depth in the recs and in my resume, so I decided not to do it...anyone (especially byerly), please answer...also, everyone who didn't submit the optional essay REPRESENT!</p>
<p>i didn't do the optional essay...hopefully it doesn't hurt the chances...</p>
<p>Obviously, it didn't help you not to write anything. But, it shouldn't hurt you, either. You just lost the chance to clarify anything else, that's all.</p>
<p>I agree with runningncircles. Writing the additional essay gives you a chance to emphasize something else about your life. I wrote mine on research</p>
<p>Yes. IT IS OPTIONAL!</p>
<p>is there a word limit for this optional essay? or am i just not seeing it on the sheet...</p>