<p>"(Completely Optional) No admission application can meet the needs of every individual. If you think additional information or material will give us a more thorough impression of you, please respond below. (Please limit your answer to 500 words or fewer.)"</p>
<p>If I wanted to write a "Why MIT?" essay, would this be an appropriate place to put it? It seems like MIT, the one college that doesn't have that as an essay questions, is the only college I know enough about to write a "Why College X?" essay.</p>
<p>The optional essay is there for you to use in any way you please. Writing a "Why MIT" essay would fit nicely in that spot.</p>
<p>Thanks! That's what I'll do then.</p>
<p>No matter what you write about, it's in your interest to utilize the optional extra essay. Those who avoid adding another essay may seem less than diligent, but more importantly are missing a chance to show or discuss something about themselves not otherwise evident in the application.</p>
<p>What do people usually use this section for, anyway? Is it like the "Topic of your choice" on the Common App?</p>
<p>Many people stick an essay in there, either "why MIT" or a good essay they wrote for another application. Others use it to explain a rough semester, or to list self-studied classes or AP tests. </p>
<p>Many others don't use it at all. :)</p>
<p>The "Why MIT" is in fact exactly what I did with this question- though you certainly don't need to feel compelled to put something here just because you think you should. The Why MIT thing was pretty much a spur of the moment essay that I wasn't originally planning on including.</p>
<p>Synopsis: if you feel you have something to say, say it. If you don't, don't.</p>