<p>I am applying to MIT - EA, and they have an optional essay on something that you have built. I was just wondering if not doing the optional essay would hurt my chances. By optional essay do they really mean do it or you will get rejected?</p>
<p>Should I do the optional essay or just try to make the mandatory essay as good as possible?</p>
<p>Also, when they ask for any additional information that you think they should know is the applicant just supposed to sell themself more or write about another essay topic of their choice?</p>
<p>4oh7--generally, the rule of thumb is do the optional essay. It shows the college that you care and took the time to go the extra distance.</p>
<p>pumas123--it probably depends on how the question is worded. Some colleges (Brown comes to mind) have a section that says basically "is there anything else we should to know about? Write no more than a paragraph." while some other schools (like Vassar) have a "your space" section where they want you to give more details if you like. I would ask a guidance concelor.</p>
<p>Im applying to MIT EA too, and I don't think the optional essay should be as deep as your main essay. Granted, it should show who you are as a person, but you just don't have to focus on it as much, meaning don't stress over telling a story or something, just tell them about you. I guess you should proofread it yourself once or twice, but it's not really something to ask all your teachers/counselors/friends to proofread and make it perfect. I don't think I'm even gonna make it an essay, meaning I won't have structure to it (intro, body, conclusion), I'm just gonna write to them about me. Hope that helped</p>