Should everyone answer this "optional" essay?

I agree with @Cascadiaparent and @parentologist that Bowdoin isn’t looking for applicants to manufacture differences or create hardships for themselves, but to be able to show how they can “navigate through difference.”

An essay like this one isn’t intended to exclude majority students, but to find out how they will respond to a diverse environment.

My daughter (majority, without financial challenges) had to answer a similar prompt when she applied to her major at a different college. Her life has not been without personal tragedy, but she didn’t use hardship as part of her answer. She used a specific situation in which she created consensus and found common understanding with people who had very different backgrounds. That’s not the only way someone could have answered it, but it’s another option to consider.

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For most (but not all) students, college is likely to be a more diverse environment than high school. Even though Bowdoin may not be as diverse as many similarly-selective residential colleges, it is likely more diverse than lots of high schools.

I don’t believe this is type of question is optional for any school. Such a great area to help separate you from the pack. Keep it positive.

As an aside, this describes Atticus Finch.