<p>Optional or no? My son's afraid if he talks about his future accomplishments he'll sound pretentious. I've got some good ideas about how to help him talk about what's important to him without pontificating, but he keeps saying, "well, it's optional" = don't have to. My argument is that you need to take every opportunity to show admissions who you really are. Thoughts?</p>
<p>Rule of thumb: Whenever a college tells you an essay is optional, don’t believe them. It is a really easy way of weeding out students who try to take shortcuts and easy ways out. </p>
<p>You are absolutely right, your son should write the essay.</p>
<p>^^ Write it! The school is giving your son another opportunity to shine. Those app questions don’t always allow that. It’s okay to show-off. It’s the best time in your son’s life to do that.</p>