<p>how optional is the optional essay? Anyone here that got accepted without it?</p>
<p>Nothing “optional” is optional. At the Duke event in our city, the Duke Adcom said that although the “Why Duke” was optional, it wasn’t optional if you wanted to get in. I assume the same for Pomona.</p>
<p>I’m pretty sure I didn’t do the optional essay. I certainly didn’t write a special essay for Pomona.</p>
<p>i am applying to Pomona as well. I think I would still write an essay. The essay may help in a tie-breaker.</p>
<p>By taking the time and making the effort to go beyond what is required, you’re demonstrating your interest in Pomona. It may help . . .</p>
<p>Good luck!</p>
<p>I have a couple of friends who didn’t write the optional essay and got in, but I think it’s a good idea to write it. It is truly optional, though!</p>