Hello! First time posting on CC.
What do you think of using the Optional Essay to basically answer “Why Harvard?”
None of the prompts really jump out at me, and I think I could write a kickass Why Harvard essay.
This is probably the one most people are choosing.
If you steer away from the cliche (prestige, campus atmosphere, ‘always been my dream’) it could be good.
To stand out, be unique, write what others arent.
Go For It, You Got It!
Only if your essay reveals more about YOU than about what you know-- or think you know-- about Harvard.
They KNOW “Why Harvard.” What they don’t know is you-- who you are, what makes you tick, why they should admit you over the other thousands of equally qualified applicants.
Excellent post @bjkmom. Indeed they know WHY Harvard. Your goal is to be vivid, compelling and interesting to the point where the AOs say , “I have to meet this kid”. What do YOU bring that makes the Harvard experience better for everyone? They know how they’ll impact you. How will you impact them?
The optional essay asks you to write about anything not covered in the application so far, something about you that Harvard would not otherwise know. It is okay not to write one. I don’t think “why Harvard” is a very good topic, honestly.
You could hide an interesting “Why Harvard” essay within the essay prompt that is something like “What My Roommate Should Know about Me.” My D16 did this and it worked well.