<p>i was looking at the application for yale/harvard and they both have a think where you can submitt a seccond optional essayif you feel that "college application froms do not provide a sufficient opportunity to convey important information about yourself". I really would rather not write a seccond essay and i dont feel that it will add very much to my application... but will it look bad if decide not to?</p>
<p>If it's only going to repeat what you've already said (possibly several times) in your applications, then don't write it. HOWEVER, if you can think of something unique and new then you should go ahead and take the extra effort to write the second essay. It shows initiative and might add some extra flavor to your application which could help you stand out in the applicant pool...</p>
<p>Last year when I applied I opted not to do any optional essays on anything, and it didn't hurt my chances, so if you're concerned about smaller odds, they won't be affected, though I know that a clever and innovative essay will get you better odds.</p>
<p>I'm confused -_- <em>laughS</em> What would this optional essay be about compared with your first one?</p>
<p>Anyone wanna give examples?</p>
<p>Yale is basically like give a "personal" essay that would reveal any characteristics or other personals that would otherwise not be revealed in other essays. Not to exceed 500 word limit.</p>
<p>Harvard is just as vague though does have five suggestions, though they don't necessarily have to be the topic chosen, w/ the five topics as follows:
1. Unusual circumstances in your life
2. Travel or living experiences in other countries
3. Books that have affected you the most
4. An academic experience (course, project, paper, or research topic) that has meant the most to you
5. A list of the books you have read during the last past months</p>
<p>Unlike Tonyt88, I think my extra essay helped me get into harvard so it's all up to the individual. If you have something else you feel you need to say, say it- but if it's just some fluff you're adding in to elongate your application, don't torture the person who has to read it.</p>