<p>did anyone NOT write it and still get accepted?</p>
<p>I didn't write it. Usually optional essays are only worth it if it shows a side of you not ANYWHERE else in your app</p>
<p>ah, ok......</p>
<p>I was looking at the application and I got the impression that "optional" was more of "if you don't, you won't get accepted." It's really worrying me.</p>
<p>Just for clarification, does it not hurt my chances if I don't write the optional essay?</p>
<p>Yes. Optional doesn't really mean optional. It means, if you care, you'll do it.</p>
<p>ah, hmm.</p>
<p>something to keep in mind.</p>
<p>what did you write for the personal essay?</p>
<p>can anyone give me their personal essay they wrote?</p>
<p>if not, can you tell me what you put in it? I can't decide what personal information to place in it.</p>
<p>i don't think it means "If you care you'll write one" only do it if it truly shows something that the adcom hasn't seen from the rest of your app</p>
<p>I think a better way to put it is, "If you want a better chance at getting in, you'll write one." Unless you happen to write a horrible essay, it won't hurt you.</p>