<p>I am applying to MIT. I have done the mandatory essay and it's really good I've been told. There two "completely optional" writings as well. One of them is something about yourself you want to add that hasn't been mentioned. The other is about something you have designed/created. I am writing a sciency one about something i've designed and built (so not flowery or deep or anything). The other one I was thinking of using my essay for NWU regular admission (applying to EA MIT), but it is pretty horrible right now and I don't think it could ever be up to par with my mandatory essay. So my question is... will my chances decrease if I don't do one of the optional essays? I want to show MIT I really care and want to go there, but I also don't want to send them an average or less than essay that I haven't worked on fully yet.
thanks</p>
<p>Send only the good stuff. More is not always better.</p>
<p>I concur. Like someone who didn't send in the yale optional essay and still got in. It's not about oooo I sent in 3 things but you only sent in 2, you lose!</p>
<p>I agree - do not send anything additional unless it is high quality and reveals something not said elsewhere. Don't burden then with extras that are a waste of time.</p>
<p>Better quality, smaller quantity > lower quality, larger quantity</p>