<p>There are a lot of questions in the common app. that are optional, such as parents education level/schools attended, names of siblings, etc.</p>
<p>Is there a reason that one should or should not fill these sections out...besides obviously doing so if you are applying to a school at which one parent is an alum?</p>
<p>Thanks!</p>
<p>Some books suggest that you fill these out strategically, but I say just fill whatever you’re comfortable filling out. Since it’s optional, it probably matters very little.</p>
<p>most of the things you listed aren’t optional. Option things include marital status, race, and whether or not you are a veteran. If its to your advantage, choose to fill most of these optional things out. As for the family info, just be honest.</p>