Optional Supplement Essay?

Colleges and Universities A-Z Harvard University
1

<p>Hello everyone.</p>

<p>I am working on applications, and I know Harvard would like applicants to have their application in by Dec. 15 (for regular decision). I am wondering about whether or not I should do the optional supplement essay? There is not exactly a life-defining situation or experience that I have not had a chance to talk about or express, and I don't want to bog them down with an essay that, while providing insight, is not a game changer. </p>

<p>I heard an admissions officer speak, and she said they are not surprised if they DO receive the essay, and they are not surprised if they DON'T. </p>

<p>Any [knowledgable =P] advice would be much appreciated. Thanks in advance!</p>

2

<p>a pomona admission officer told me, that even if it says optional essay, do it anyways. it shows you care.</p>

3

<p>I didn’t write the essay and I regret it now. I didn’t realize all the things I could have mentioned. The essay is a tremendous opportunity to share more about yourself with the admissions people. Hopefully I’ll still get in, but I would definitely write the essay if I had the chance to do so.</p>

4

<p>i think it all depends on each person…
if you have nothing that comes up in your head, you probably shouldn’t
if you have something that you wish you mentioned in other parts of the application, you probably should.</p>

5

<p>Hmm. Alrighty.</p>

<p>If it was like “write another essay, this is mandatory” then I’d be fine writing about something, but because it’s supplemental I’m not sure if I should =P Thank you for your answers.</p>

6

<p>I know people who got in but didn’t write an essay. It really, truly is optional.</p>

7

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<p>This is absolutely right. If you’re just sitting there being like “I should write something but the rest of my application covers everything I could possibly want to say,” don’t.</p>

8

<p>Alright, great! Thank you so much to everyone for your help!</p>