<p>how optional are the optional essays? Are they actually "do them if you feel like it" or "do them if you want to get in?"</p>
<p>They're optional, as in "do them if you have something to write that will help your application." If done well, they can help your application. If done poorly, they won't help at all.</p>
<p>They're like extra credit.</p>
<p>I can speak from experience. I got in EA :) and did not write any of the supplemental essays. I felt that I had accurately and completely shown myself through my application (and the music supplement) that an additional essay wouldn't really help. I decided to dedicate that time more on my primary essay.</p>
<p>I am troubled by this too. Should i put in the optional essay that i immigrated to U.S 5 years ago? or they gonna think I am just giving an excuse?</p>
<p>It won't seem like an excuse if it has sharpened your understanding of how the world works.</p>
<p>It will seem like an excuse if you describe how you were set back but don't include anything about how it has changed you for the better.</p>
<p>I got into MIT and I didn't submit a single additional essay.</p>
<p>I got into MIT and did write both additional essays as well as submit other supplementary material. I simply did it because I really felt that I needed more "space" to show them who I am and why I am that way. Just do whatever you think is necessary.</p>