Optional Essays

College Essays
1

<p>Hey, I'm planning to apply to some private colleges that allow you to include optional essays based on several prompts. </p>

<p>I've heard that most college admissions officers prefer shorter essays for the required essay (shorter, depending on if you convey yourself well) and have piles of required essays to read anyways. </p>

<p>I feel that I can convey myself well through writing and that just the required essay would be enough to show a small facet of my personality; however, an additional essay would allow me to show other aspects of who I am. </p>

<p>My transcript shows that I've taken a variety of challenging courses ranging from honors to Advanced Placement and my SAT/ACT scores are considered in the 50th percentile range or higher for the colleges that I'm interested in, and my involvement in extracurriculars is considered strong. But with colleges being highly competetive these days, I might be a grey-area candidate with the essay acting as a make or break opportunity to get accepted. </p>

<p>In short, would it be more beneficial to include that extra optional essay or would it be more of a hassle to the admissions officers and do more harm?</p>

2

<p>It really depends on what YOU think would make a good application. I spent lots of time on additional stuff on other applications, but on my Williams app, I didn't even put in an optional supplement, although I sent a copy of my self-portrait to all the schools I applied, and I guess that just showed a different side of me. It's really up to you, but I think it doesn't really make a difference except you really have something to say that cannot be seen anywhere else in your application. But this is just my opinion.</p>

3

<p>it depends what it is really. tell me the prompt.
In general, if you're going to do a repeat or outline of what they already know, don't. If you can offer than an entirely new angle of your personality, do it.</p>

4

<p>Optional essays could help you, just as long as they're very interesting and very unique that show unexpected sides of your personality, life, interests, etc.</p>