When discussing college applications, it is always useful to imagine yourself in the shoes of an admissions officer. Building a freshman class is no easy feat. Selecting students that can not only succeed at, but also give back to the university is a tall order, especially when there are thousands of highly qualified applicants. Creating an application is like preparing to interview a potential employee; schools want to know the basics, like grades and test scores, but they also want to know what makes you different. What can you contribute that no one else can?

This is where essays come into play. They are important windows into the life of an applicant. Sure, they tell AOs whether or not this student is a good writer in terms of grammar, syntax, and structure. More importantly, they tell what has brought an applicant to their current circumstances. What drives them? What do they care about? Why do they even want to attend this school? Do they really want to attend, or are they using this school as a safety with no intention of enrollment? Are they looking to contribute, or are they seeking out brand-name prestige? All of these questions are important. Schools don’t like getting rejected, either, and they aren’t looking for anyone wanting to ride coattails.

This is why we don’t consider “optional” essays to truly be optional. If you are going to take the time to fill out the rest of the application, and if you really are considering attending that school – which should always be the case, even for safeties – then you need to write that essay. There is always more that can be said about you. You are not two-dimensional, and your application shouldn’t be, either. Essays are the best way to deepen an AO’s understanding of who you are and where you are coming from. Don’t squander that opportunity.

The only scenario in which “optional” essays are truly optional are when they don’t apply to your particular situation. In this case, we’re talking about essays asking if you need to explain disciplinary action (such as a suspension or expulsion), why you changed schools, or if you’d like to discuss your status in the LGBTQIA+ community. Some (or all) of those just won’t be relevant to you. These are fine to skip.

But prompts like University of Vermont’s *optional* “Why us?” essay? Just write it.

Overwhelmed?

Aristotle Circle has the college admissions process down to a science. We’re professionals at keeping busy kids on track. Our Comprehensive College Admissions Package includes unlimited one-to-one meetings with NACAC-certified college admissions counselors with a long track record of success. Our students have matriculated to the top schools in the US and abroad, including Harvard, MIT, Stanford, Princeton, Yale, St. Andrews, and many more. Call (212-360-2301) or email (info@aristotlecircle.com) today for a free consultation.