So I submitted my UChicago application by Jan 1st. I initially forgot to submit the first paragraph of my essay (no idea how) but I emailed my local admissions counselor and she was happy to add it on for me. On the common app, there was the optional prompt to describe some works of art/movies/etc you liked. I didn’t do this. Do you think it’s too late to add this essay onto my application? I just wasn’t sure seeing as how they were lenient about my other essay, and that it is optional. Also, how much do you think my application could be at a disadvantage due to me not completing that prompt? Thanks.
Bump
The deadline for submission was Jan. 1st, and it’s quite possible that correcting a mistake - an opening paragraph that was clearly missing - will be different from submitting a new essay, especially now that we’re ~2 weeks from the deadline.
The optional essay is, well, optional. With that said, not writing it is probably a sign of limited interest in the school.
Nothing is optional in an application even if they mark a section “optional”. Everything you include or leave out leaves an impression. There is no way around that-unless the application is only interpreted by a computer. You are providing information that is used by the adcons to make a decision about you. So how can any part of that application not make an impression? There is no such thing as “optional”. Once they put a line on the application, whatever is put on that line or left out makes the an impression even if marked “optional”. Consider the “optional” designation to be exactly like an interviewer who says "You don’t have to answer this but…“Not answering it will speak volumes. This is a good thing to learn now because it is almost always true. Many people who leave the “optional” section out will probably get offers. I am not saying you won’t because you left it out. But, don’t think of sections marked"optional” as “not important”.
I think this is important enough that I am going to cut and paste if for a discussion.