Should I write optional essays?
I'm in the process of applying to Penn State. they have an optional essay that says "Please tell us something about yourself, your experiences, or activities that you believe would reflect positively on your ability to succeed at Penn State. This is your opportunity to tell us something about yourself that is not already reflected in your application or academic records."
I looked it up and found that you should not write optional essays if you don't actually have anything substantial to write. I don't have anything to write that hasn't been written in my common app essay or on the rest of the application. Should I write the essay regardless? I submitted my test score and it is pretty good for the branch I'm applying to. I'm not sure if that could be a deciding factor.
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1 answer
As you said, you are never compelled to write but it is highly recommended. Do you feel as if Penn State would know all about you through your application or your Common App Essay? If so, then you don't have to write but if not, then you should use the opportunity to say something again about yourself. Infact, that's why they asked because they want to give you the opportunity to say something out of your application. Most times, this is highly prioritized by the University because they love to see who the student is outside of academics. You could write anything outside of academics. That could even include something as little as, cooking, drawing, skating or anything that you do outside of the school life then simply say how that helps you succeed.
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