So, I'm a bit stressed out because some colleges have optional essays in their applications. What does 'optional' really mean? Should I be doing them to boost my chances? Thanks in advance.
It's understandable that you may feel uncertain about whether or not to complete optional college essays. The term "optional" can indeed be somewhat misleading.
In most cases, it's advisable to take advantage of every opportunity to showcase more about yourself, especially if you believe that the rest of your application doesn't fully capture the depth of your experiences or the uniqueness of your strengths. Remember that many other applicants will complete the essay, so not doing so could indeed potentially put you at a disadvantage in the admissions process.
That being said, if you find that the optional essay prompts don't resonate with you or you feel that your application already thoroughly demonstrates your candidacy, it's acceptable not to complete the optional essay. There are also some prompts, like those asking if you've faced any unusual hardship during high school, which are truly optional, and responding when they don't apply to you could even come across as insensitive.
Ultimately, consider the level of selectivity for the school and your own strengths as an applicant when determining whether to complete optional essays. If the school is highly competitive or you believe that your application is bordering on the edge of their typical admissions standards, then completing an optional essay may provide an additional opportunity for you to demonstrate your fit and provide compelling reasons for your acceptance. Good luck!
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