<p>One of the programs I'm applying to has two essays.</p>
<p>The first one is straightforward.</p>
<p>The second one says: Please describe any experiences or circumstances which would impact your credentials for our program. </p>
<p>This one is optional.</p>
<p>So, are you supposed to answer it only if you've brought clean water to a rural district, or can anyone answer it with their mundane, average experiences?</p>
<p>Is it encouraged to write this kind of essay? It's only 1500 characters while the MAIN essay is 2500. (Yes, characters, not words!)</p>