St. Olaf has an optional supplement question that asks the applicant how they will make an impact on campus. 500 word limit. The supplement states that applicants’ responses will be evaluated for community service scholarships. I don’t have community service experience, but everyone tells me that, nonetheless, it is a good idea to answer it. Do you think my chances will be negatively affected if I choose not to answer the question? 3.495 UW, 4.065 W, 31 ACT, 3rd generation legacy.
Thanks.
Are you willing to gamble that you won’t get in? Is this your first or second choice college? Plenty of legacies don’t get in and your ACT is good but not rock star. If you want to help your application you should grab every opportunity to show them that you are a great fit for the college.
My D wrote this essay even though she didn’t have a lot of community service experience. She thought about the skills she had and how she might apply them at Northfield. I think you should do it - it will show demonstrated interest, if nothing else.
Yes, if you don’t answer, you can be negatively impacted.
It’s a good match for you but by far not a safety and not doing the essay sends a clear signal you “don"t want to bother”.