<p>If we're using the common app and answered one of the five choices of essays, how much would the optional essays (autobiography, first experience, risk) matter for admissions?</p>
<p>Well, it might show that you're really interested in the school because you spent the extra time writing that essay.</p>
<p>^^no. Here's what an admissions counselor that came to my school said. Unless you <em>really</em> feel like an additional essay will add to your application, don't write it. Because they don't like reading additional essays, especially if they don't strongly support your application. She said it truly is optional, and don't bother unless you really want to. So, no I don't think it would hurt you to not write the essay. If you wrote another great one, it would help, but if you wrote a mediocre one it might hurt.</p>
<p>The way I heard it was "unless you feel you failed at expressing your true personality in the CA essay, there is no need to write the optional one"</p>
<p>Failed is a strong word, so I don't think they care too much.</p>
<p>ok thanks alot guys im definitely not doing it then</p>