<p>When it is said that it is optional, what does it really mean at this school. I have not yet turned in my application, but I have all my essays and such perfect excpet for the fact that I have not written the optional essay. Do I need to? I really want to get into the school, being in my top 3, but do I need to do this essay to prove it? If so, I will jump to it, but I if it is unnecessary, I have other things to do, as awful as it sounds. My counselor at my school is awful, so I need to make sure all my teacher recs and eveyrthing are sent in time for EA. So, please respond quickly and thanks for your time!</p>
<p>It really is optional, though I’d recommend doing it, because it does imply that you have more of an interest in the school. Also, I only spent 30 minutes on the essay, so it’s not even that big of a time commitment. Just write about your favorite books/pictures/essays/whatever have you, explain why you like them, explain how they’ve affected you (if you want to), and submit it. It doesn’t have to be a masterpiece. Mine certainly wasn’t.</p>
<p>Thanks! That was very helpful. I think I might talk about my favorite word, because it not only fulfills this essay, but also the one for UVA, so I think that would be best. :D</p>
<p>I just had a paragraph about the variety of music I like, then a paragraph talking about my three favorite musicians and gave 1-2 sentences why, then said my favorite 3 books and gave 1-2 sentences to why. I think you could do what I did, but favorite word probably will be more interesting.</p>
<p>When I visited in June, a rep said that it wasn’t really optional - ‘anything “optional” on a college app is something you SHOULD be filling out.’</p>
<p>Yah, thats what my rep said as well when I visited in April</p>
<p>It certainly makes a good impression although I doubt Chicago would reject a stellar applicant who is a good fit in every other way just because he didn’t write a paragraph or two about his favorite things.</p>
<p>I think you should do it because it looks good. And even if you write a lackluster essay, it’ll show that you have the commitment to the school. This essay isn’t a deal breaker for admission. They aren’t going to say, “Oh this kid likes Madonna AND Britney Spears… we should reject him/her.” It’s just another way to get to know you, to see if you’re a good fit for them.</p>
<p>PS My essay was about 400 words… I talked about a lot of different topics (books, poets, writers, movies, music, Baseball, etc) and listed a few of my favorites for each. Some of the more important ones (books, poets, music) I elaborated on and outlined what they say about me.</p>
<p>Thanks you all. I think I will talk about my favorite word, but in doing so I will relate it to favorite poems and books. I think I could right a pretty awesome essay. :)</p>
<p>Hopefully you use ‘write’ and ‘right’ correctly when you’re writing it :P</p>
<p>^ Yeah, we can all hope. 
For a kid who got a 760 in the Writing Section and a Perfect SOL in Writing two years ago, I would know the difference. I also, even when writing, put “of” instead of “or” and other careless mistakes. </p>
<p>Oh, and I did that when I gave my resume to teachers. I almost cried when I read over it again after giving to them. I actually went to the teachers and asked them not to judge my writing off of that mistake.</p>
<p>Ha, if it makes you feel any better, rmadden15, I totally used the abbreviation “ppl” on many of my timed essays in high school and on my AP Exams. ;)</p>
<p>^ Ha, just a little. There should be a dumb@$$ check with ABC check for people like me. However, at least I get the “your and you’re” thing correct. All the time. Eh, I can’t win everytime. :P</p>
<p>‘off of’ is incorrect, only use ‘off’ </p>
<p>And to think, I got a perfect essay score, yet still got 100 points less than you on the writing section :P</p>
<p>lol, s@ys som3thng bout you’re smartnes, dont 1t?</p>
<p>I got a perfect essay as well. Kudos us on cookie-cutter essays.</p>
<p>I want to talk about my favorite dance group – Beat Freaks! Should I? I really have a good reason as to why I admire them so much.</p>