I am applying EA to Tulane. Would skipping the question “Please describe why you are interested in attending Tulane University” hurt my application? The word count is 50-800 words but still… it says that it’s optional :0
It is not optional. At all. Trust me on this. @anxiousteen
“Optional” essays are never really optional, ESPECIALLY if the question is “Why are you interested in X University”.
Skipping that particular question is like shouting, “THIS SCHOOL IS MY SAFETY!!!”
Think of it this way: if you leave it blank, they may see it as if you didn’t actually have any reason at all for wanting to attend Tulane. :-?
Alrighty then lol. This means I gotta answer the optional stuff on the other colleges that I will be applying as well D:
For all the schools, the correct answer to that question is NOT:
"because of the school’s prestige and because the school will help me achieve my goal of becoming a doctor, lawyer, etc…]
I have to echo what @PrimeMeridian says, @anxiousteen. The admissions people are experienced and can sniff out a generic, recycled statement easily. In fact, here is a great piece on exactly this topic from none other than the Director of Admissions at Tulane.
http://tuadmissionjeff.blogspot.com/2013/09/the-optional-statment.html