<p>Is the creative essay in the supplement actually optional? I took a look at it, but decided not to do it because I felt my commonapp essay was pretty good and I thought that I couldn't truly enhance my application by writing another essay. Will this spell my doom at William and Mary?</p>
<p>I doubt it spells doom, but it certainly will hurt.</p>
<p>There is no such thing as an "optional" essay.</p>
<p>Take this for the little it is worth, since this is just my unqualified opinion.</p>
<p>The only bit of input I could throw in is that I did it, and I got in. I don't think that it is a large determining factor. I would say that while it can certainly make your application look stronger, it will in no case be the reason that you don't get in. Basically it can put you over the top, but it can't make you underqualified.</p>
<p>CheeZe, of course you could have enhanced the Admission Committee's view of you and your application. Your point is silly. That said, your admission now depends solely upon how stellar your other credentials are. As insanity has revealed, it is possible they may carry the cause, if sufficiently strong.</p>
<p>Would it be foolish of me to call and see if I can pass a supplemental essay in? Just for comparision to see how much I need the extra push, here are my stats :
GPA-3.89
SAT-1350/2050
Rank-19/521
My recommendations are good, and I also take the most difficult curriculm out of any student in my school in terms of AP classes. However, now I worry that the omission of the "optional" essay will kill me.</p>
<p>My own reaction is that you cannot hurt your cause by asking. Good luck. I doubt they'll mark you down for that, would you? Where are you from? Male/female? However it comes out, good luck.</p>
<p>Male from Massachusetts</p>
<p>Both should be to your solid advantage. Beats being a babe from the Bronx. At least in the W&M admissions lottery. Again, lots of luck. Go get 'em.</p>
<p>Well your stats are not too stellar, so it would be in your best interest to try to submit it late. Your Common APP essay may be enough, but you never know. Especially being from OOS. Good Luck!</p>