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You’ve meticulously filled out every required field, polished your personal statement, and triple-checked your resume. Then you see it: a section labeled “Optional Essay.” A wave of uncertainty washes over you. Should you write it? Is “optional” a trick question? What could you possibly add?
This common dilemma can feel like a final, confusing hurdle in a long application process. But don’t panic. The optional essay isn’t a trap; it’s an opportunity. This guide will help you understand when to take that opportunity and how to write an essay that elevates your application from good to unforgettable.
The Golden Rule: Is “Optional” Truly Optional?
Let’s be direct: in most high-stakes applications, whether for college or a competitive job, “optional” is rarely optional. Think of it from the perspective of an admissions committee or a hiring manager. They are sifting through hundreds, sometimes thousands, of applications, looking for reasons to say “yes.”
An optional essay is a bonus chance to give them that reason. Skipping it means you’re leaving a valuable tool on the table. It’s an open invitation to share more about your character, explain a unique circumstance, or showcase a passion that doesn’t fit neatly into a form field. Choosing not to write it can signal a lack of interest or effort.
However, there’s a crucial caveat: a poorly written, rushed, or irrelevant optional essay is far worse than no essay at all. The goal is to add value, not just words. If your essay doesn’t provide new insight or strengthen your overall narrative, it’s better to leave the space blank.
When You Absolutely SHOULD Write the Optional Essay
Certain situations make writing the optional essay a strategic necessity. If any of the following apply to you, it’s time to start brainstorming.
- To Explain a Discrepancy or Weakness: This is the most common and effective use of an optional essay. Did your grades dip for a semester? Is there a gap in your employment history? Don’t let the reader guess why. Use this space to provide honest, concise context. Frame it not as an excuse, but as a challenge you faced and what you learned from it. This demonstrates maturity and resilience.
- To Highlight a Unique Passion or Experience: Your main application might show you’re a qualified candidate, but the optional essay can show you’re an interesting person. Talk about your passion for urban beekeeping, the app you coded in your spare time, or your experience volunteering abroad. Choose a story that reveals key traits like leadership, creativity, or empathy that aren’t highlighted elsewhere.
- To Showcase a Deep Interest in the Institution: Generic applications are easy to spot. Use the optional essay to prove you’ve done your homework. Connect your specific goals or experiences to a particular program, professor, or company value. Explain why you are a perfect fit for them, and why they are the perfect fit for you. This shows genuine enthusiasm.
- To Add Important New Information: If you’ve won a significant award, completed a major project, or earned a promotion after you submitted the primary part of your application, the optional essay is the perfect place to include this update.
When It’s Okay to Skip It
While usually recommended, there are a few scenarios where skipping the optional essay is the smarter move.
Skip the essay if you genuinely have nothing new or substantive to add. If your application is already a complete and powerful representation of who you are, forcing an essay can dilute your message. Don’t simply rehash your personal statement or summarize your resume in paragraph form. The admissions committee has already read that.
Additionally, if you don’t have enough time to write a polished, thoughtful, and well-edited piece, it’s better to abstain. A submission riddled with typos and grammatical errors reflects poorly on your attention to detail. Quality always trumps quantity.
How to Write a Winning Optional Essay: A Step-by-Step Guide
Ready to write? Follow these steps to craft an impactful essay that adds real value to your application.
Step 1: Deconstruct the Prompt
Read the prompt carefully. Is it a broad “Is there anything else you’d like to share?” or is it more specific, like “Describe a time you contributed to a diverse community”? Understand the underlying question before you begin. The best essays directly and thoughtfully address the prompt.
Step 2: Brainstorm with Purpose
Think about your application as a whole. What’s missing? What part of your story hasn’t been told? Brainstorm topics that fill in the gaps. Your goal is to provide a new lens through which the reader can see you. Ask yourself: “What do I want the reader to know about me after reading this?”
Step 3: Outline Your Structure
A clear structure ensures your essay is easy to follow. A simple and effective model includes:
- A Strong Hook: Start with a compelling sentence that grabs the reader’s attention.
- Context and Action: Briefly set the scene and describe what happened. Be direct and focus on the story.
- Reflection and Impact: This is the most critical part. Explain what you learned, how you grew from the experience, and why it matters. Connect the lesson back to your future goals or your fit for the institution.
Step 4: Write with an Authentic Voice
Don’t try to use overly complex words or a formal tone that isn’t you. The best essays are genuine and sound like a real person. Be concise, be clear, and let your personality shine through. Use “showing” language (describing actions and feelings) rather than “telling” language (simply stating facts).
Step 5: Edit, Revise, and Proofread
Your first draft is just the beginning. Let it sit for a day, then come back to it with fresh eyes. Read your essay aloud to catch awkward phrasing. Check relentlessly for spelling and grammar errors. Finally, ask a trusted teacher, mentor, or friend to provide feedback.
Conclusion
The optional essay is more than just an extra writing assignment; it’s a strategic closing argument for your candidacy. It’s your final handshake, your last chance to make a memorable impression. By understanding when to write it and how to approach it, you can transform that blank box into the most compelling part of your application.
Don’t view it as a burden. View it as a valuable opportunity to provide context, showcase your personality, and prove that you are more than just the numbers and achievements on a page. When done right, the optional essay can be the detail that tips the scale in your favor.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: How long should an optional essay be?
A: Always adhere to the specified word or character limit. If none is provided, aim for conciseness and impact. A strong essay is typically between 250 and 400 words. This is long enough to tell a meaningful story and provide reflection without overwhelming a busy reader.
Q2: Can I use the same optional essay for multiple applications?
A: It depends. If the prompt is general (e.g., “Use this space to share any additional information”), you can often adapt a core essay for different applications. However, if the prompt is specific to the school or company, you must write a unique, tailored response. Always customize your essay to mention the specific institution and explain why you are a good fit for their unique culture or programs.
Q3: What is the biggest mistake to avoid in an optional essay?
A: The most common mistake is simply repeating information from elsewhere in the application. The purpose of the optional essay is to add new dimension, not to rehash your resume or personal statement. Another major pitfall is using the space to complain or make excuses for a weakness instead of providing mature context and demonstrating growth from the experience.
