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What Should I Write for Optional Essays?

Gelyna Price

Head of programs and lead admissions expert, table of contents, naturally, you have a lot of questions., and remember:.

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Picture this: college app deadlines are looming and you’re hard at work on your applications. You’ve compiled and narrowed down a college list and made a strategy for presenting your extracurriculars. Maybe you’ve even started brainstorming and drafting your supplemental essays for colleges. All this seems straightforward. Good for you! On top of all this work, you notice that a few of your applications allow for that perplexing, dark-horse component: the optional essay.   In contrast, you haven’t read anything about optional essays. Are they really optional? Maybe you should just ignore it for now…

Do you need to write optional essays for the college application? What if you don’t have anything to say? What if the readers think it is unprofessional? Would a school immediately count it against you if you don’t submit it? If you write a response and they don’t like it, would that be worse? What are the guidelines?

These are all valid concerns. Rather than let the optional essay lurk in the shadows, looming in the periphery, let’s find the truth. Let’s take a deep dive into the optional essay and how it impacts your college application from start to finish.

As a matter of fact, the intent of optional essays is to give you (the applicant) the benefit of the doubt, rather than leaving questions entirely up to an admissions officer’s interpretation. Remember: colleges do not expect everyone to submit an optional essay. That’s why it’s optional!

However, you’re right to not just dismiss them outright. There are plenty of good reasons to submit an optional essay for college applications. In some situations, it can be very helpful. So before you cross it out just to save yourself time, remember that it might also be a valuable opportunity to provide context to your story.

How to handle it:

The most common optional essay will ask, quite simply, whether there is anything else you would like to share. These are open-ended questions that could encompass a wide range of topics. For example, here’s a classic:

“Is there anything else we should know about you?”

There are a few ways you might answer this in writing. Primarily, check that you’re not repeating anything that’s already appeared on your application elsewhere. After all, this isn’t a necessary section, so the admissions readers aren’t asking you to reiterate something just for the sake of filling it out. It’s awesome to have accomplishments you’re proud of—but if it can fit anywhere else on the application, that’s probably where it belongs. You can skip it if you don’t have anything new to add.

On the other hand, however, don’t stress about “bothering” the admissions readers with additional information. They want to hear what you have to say, so long as it’s relevant to your candidacy as a student! That’s why the question is included. If you’re on the fence, take some time to write out your thoughts and then decide. The more information you have to work with, the better.

If you choose to explain any negative extenuating circumstances with this response…

If you address a negative occurrence, make sure to address the big picture and how you overcame and succeeded, and why it won’t happen again. Prove to them that you are stronger, or that you learned. If you are discussing low test scores—provide context/evidence. Excuses and complaints aren’t enough to constitute a meaningful response on their own.

If you do have a specific, sensitive personal scenario in mind for “anything else,” complete the first pass and give your draft to someone else to read. That someone could be anyone who doesn’t know you very well; a classmate, teacher, coach, or tutor. When explaining a personal crisis, it can be difficult to know where the line between just enough and too much information falls. If you notice discomfort on either side of this exchange, the admissions committee will likely feel the same, and you should probably reconsider your approach. Ultimately, you don’t have to share anything you aren’t comfortable sharing with a colleague.

Other prompts and situations may arise. Here’s a rundown of scenarios when you should, could, and definitely should not submit an optional essay response.

Should you submit that optional essay?

Yes, write the optional essay if:.

• It’s a “why us” or “good fit” question. [A few variations include: Why did you choose this school? What makes this campus/school a good fit for you and your goals? and What makes you a good fit for our campus community and/or student body?] For prompts like this, use the essay to demonstrate your interest in the school… but do NOT recycle content without customizing it thoroughly. It should be as specific and detailed as possible to your goals.
• It says “recommended”, “highly recommended”, or “encouraged” anywhere in the wording of the page or prompt. All of these are context clues that the materials will be considered important! Follow through and submit anything under this category.
• You need more glue to hold your application story together. For instance, if you changed your extracurricular thread halfway through high school from STEM to history, there may not be another place to properly contextualize that shift. That could be a good instance to use an optional essay.
• You have an additional piece of information about you that a college should know that you haven’t had a chance to demonstrate fully yet. For example, perhaps you participated in self-guided projects or unconventional extracurricular activities that the application doesn’t allow you to really explain. An optional essay response could provide this additional out-of-the-box information.
• There are more than a few optional prompts (e.g. Harvard , University of Pittsburgh )—they’re giving you lots of opportunities to show your character and personality! Take the opportunity to rise to the occasion and respond with a few clever essays. After all, the root of the word “essay” comes from the word “to try.”

Maybe, potentially write the optional essay if:

• It states that it’s truly an optional field and you shouldn’t waste reviewers’ time (sometimes, they are that blunt). If you have cause to write, it will depend on your personal situation.
• You have the start of an idea, and it’s your dream school (or one you’re super passionate about attending). If this is you, it may be worth spending the time and effort to draft and polish another writing supplement—take some time to consider what you could write about.
• You feel like you’re a borderline or “splitter” candidate. Giving more context about your performance can demonstrate self-awareness about your strengths and maturity in how you plan to address your weaknesses.

No, don’t write the optional essay if:

• You don’t have a good topic in mind right away—or the question just doesn’t apply to you (e.g. the Duke diversity prompt ). Don’t try and force certain qualities for the sake of appearing like a good candidate if it isn’t true.
• You don’t have time to make that essay as good as all your other pieces. Rushing to put down something in this space won’t pay off, and could actually hurt you if your writing is poor.
• You’ll only restate information already covered in other parts of your application.
• You’re just doing it because you think you should. It will sound fake and the readers won’t appreciate the false tone.
• You’d have to divulge personal details you’re not comfortable sharing with people you don’t know. [You don’t have to share anything on the application you choose not to share.]
• It would only consist of excuses/complaints. [This won’t reflect well on you or contextualize your performance. In fact, it reflects a weak character.]

Supplements and supplemental materials.

On the other hand, some applications will allow you to submit a resume or sample of your work. For example, Harvard allows for supplemental materials. These are a great chance to help your application stand out from the crowd and be really memorable!

Supplemental materials might include:

• video or audio recording of a performance (music, theater, dance)
• critical articles or commentary about your work by the public
• published instances of your work (articles, poems, essays, etc.)
• samples of visual art
• photographic documentation of your work(s)

If this is true for you, be sure that you take the time to get all your materials up to par. Only submit if you have some works that you’re proud of [which you should, especially if it’s in the area you want to study]. Just because a section is optional doesn’t mean that if you do submit it, the reviewer won’t assess that material at face value.

If you have the ability to attach a resume, feel free to do so—but don’t assume the admissions reader will go through the whole thing! Still include the activities in your application form. Think of the resume as an “extra credit” way to present your accomplishments. The bulk of your attention should still focus on your application itself.

Reasons you may need optional essays:

Of course, beyond reasons you may want to write an optional essay to boost your college application even higher, there are situations when you might really need to include one, in order to explain a gap or issue. A few examples of reasons you may need to write an optional supplement would be: 

• Unusually low or failing grades.
• Taking time out of school for personal reasons (medical, family issues, money, etc).
• Disciplinary actions on your record. Be very careful with your language and tone, but don’t expect any permanent records to hide away from admissions reviewers completely; sometimes honesty is the best policy.

None of these things need to make or break your application, but it’s a good idea to explain your side of the story. Focus on what you’ve learned and how you’ve changed as a result of these occurrences if you address them in an optional essay response.

So there you have it! Optional essays are a way to make the college admissions review process a little more forgiving and human—view them as a tool to help you. If you’re still wondering, “should I do the optional essays?” These details can help you uncover the best move for you. When it comes to writing optional essays for college admissions, there’s no need to be afraid of them… but it definitely is worth taking time to honestly assess your individual situation, and whether it’s necessary for you.

Tips and Tricks:

Before you go, here are a few final quick tips and tricks to always keep in mind if you do write an optional essay to accompany your college application:

• Do stick to the word limit (if none, it shouldn’t be longer than your personal statement). About 250 words will usually suffice.
• Do write an actual essay, not just a word bank. If you are going to ask the admissions committee to take the extra time to read it, you should put the effort in to submit something that is complete with sentences supporting an overall thesis.
• For writing style, generally, these essays should be direct and concise, not creative writing (unless it’s a writing sample). Get to the point.

You’ll still want to proofread and check the quality of the writing , to ensure it fits well in context with the rest of your application as well.

You can always check with a counselor to see if there is a gap in your holistic application (transcript, grades, etc) that needs an explanation to form a coherent story about yourself. If you’re looking for help or feedback from a qualified professional on your particular draft, talk to us today!

The Empowerly community can help brainstorm and edit your best possible supplemental essays for college. Not only that, but we can also connect you with supplemental essay examples from our bank of college essays that worked. For a holistic review, our former admissions officer committee reviews each season are unparalleled. Book an exploratory call to learn more about how we help students shine.

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Optional Essay Dos and Don’ts

August 11, 2023

Donna Bauman

When completing your MBA applications, it’s tempting to answer every possible question. The optional essay, however, has the word “optional” right in its name. MBA programs value self-awareness in their applicants; you can demonstrate this by recognizing what material is appropriate to include—if any—in the optional essay.

Quite simply, the optional essay—and it really could be called a series of optional statements—exists only to address questions that an admissions committee member might have after they review the required application materials. These questions usually center on your choice of recommenders, your academic readiness, or your career potential. MBA programs provide some guidance in their applications about the most common reasons to complete the optional essay. For example, Dartmouth Tuck offers this guidance on its website:

The following essay prompt is optional: Please provide any additional insight or information that you have not addressed elsewhere (e.g., atypical choice of references, factors affecting academic performance, unexplained job gaps or changes). Complete this question only if you feel your candidacy is not fully represented by this application. (300 words)

This is not the place to add another main essay. If you had a particularly difficult semester academically, it could be helpful to share some context for what was happening in your life during this time. If you have a six-month gap in your resume, provide some details to help the admissions team understand your situation.

Admissions officers have always worked exceptionally long hours and have more than enough to read with regular essays and their always-overflowing email inboxes. They don’t want to read any more than is necessary to evaluate your application. If you still think the optional essay applies to you, here are a few tips:

1. Address concerns directly.

Have a trusted advisor review your resume and application to see what questions they have, and then address their concerns head on. If you are working at two jobs at the same time, be clear about which job is your primary focus. Address any significant gaps in your work history or anything that could be confusing or unclear to the admissions committee. If you were laid off from your job and it took you six months to find a new one, explain this and briefly mention how you have grown from the experience. If you were relocating as a trailing spouse or had visa issues that played a role in employment gaps, explain that. Stick with facts and not opinions when addressing sensitive topics.

2. Explain your recommender choice if you are not using your direct supervisor.

If you are not using your direct supervisor as a recommender , explain your reasoning. Perhaps you have only worked for your current supervisor for a few months. Alternatively, if you fear a promotion or raise is at risk by sharing your MBA plans with your direct supervisor, explain this in your optional essay. Admissions committees understand such concerns. Simply explain your rationale for your recommendation choices and why the recommenders you chose are qualified to write your recommendations.

3. Offer context for a low GPA .

There is a difference between providing context and making excuses. For example, own that you were not mature enough to focus on academics early in college, and then offer an example of how you are now ready for rigorous academic work. Consider taking a quant class for academic credit to demonstrate that you can master the topic with an A or B grade. If you do not score well on standardized testing, provide other evidence of your quantitative readiness for an MBA program.

4. Show that you have grown.

Self-awareness and the ability to learn from your mistakes are highly valued by admissions committee members. If you have any past disciplinary actions (e.g., academic suspension or arrest), state how you learned from your past mistake and make it clear that it will not happen again.

1. Offer any excuses or blame.

This is not the place to throw shade at anyone—past bosses, professors, or companies. Simply provide some context to help the admissions team understand the situation.

2. Write a novel.

In fact, you don’t even have to write an essay. If you can clarify and provide the necessary context in just a few sentences, do that.

3. Ramble on to other areas.

Do not try to sneak in a few more points that you ran out of space to discuss in the required essays. If you do this, you risk harming your overall application.

4. Address problems that don’t exist.

No one has a perfect application! Although you might feel bad about the C you got in your “Microeconomics” course, if your overall GPA is strong, there is no need to call attention to one or two C grades on your transcript.

By providing brief explanations for any parts of your application that are confusing, you enable the admissions reviewer to avoid spending precious time deciphering the details of your past and instead conduct a thorough and holistic review of your application. 

If you have any questions about your situation, reach out to a member of our admissions counseling team for a free consultation .

Dartmouth Tuck School of Business GPA Optional Essay Recommendations

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Harvard Optional Essay – To Send or Not to Send?

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For more than 200 years, gaining admittance into Harvard University has been the pinnacle of achievement for America’s youth. However, with applications soaring and acceptance rates down to just 5.8% during the last application cycle and continuing to fall, achieving that dream has become harder and harder.

A key component in your application to any college is the essay; a platform that allows you to give admissions committees a window into your life beyond your stats and admissions on paper. A well written essay can boost the application of a student with a weak extracurricular profile and poor SAT scores, while a poorly written essay full of cliche can tank the chances of even the valedictorian with a 2400 SAT and perfect extra-curricular activities.

For most schools, the essay on the Common Application (and the extracurricular supplement) provides one such opportunity. But most elite schools also have a supplement to the Common App, in which they ask for additional required essays to gain more insight into you as an applicant.

Harvard’s supplement doesn’t work in exactly the same manner.

On the Harvard Supplement, the Additional Essays section reads as follows:

“Occasionally, students feel that college application forms do not provide sufficient opportunity to convey important information about themselves or their accomplishments. If you wish to include an additional essay, you may do so.

Want to learn what Harvard University will actually cost you based on your income? And how long your application to the school should take?  Here’s what every student considering Harvard University needs to know.

Possible Topics:

• Unusual circumstances in your life
• Travel or living experiences in other countries
• A letter to your future college roommate
• An intellectual experience (course, project, book, discussion, paper or research
• topic) that has meant the most to you
• How you hope to use your college education
• A list of books you have read during the past twelve months”

Now opinions vary on whether you should or shouldn’t send in the Harvard Optional Essay. Debate is always heated when this question is asked on the popular College Confidential forums, with about half of the posts saying “go for it!” and the others saying that you don’t need it. A quick scan of the Internet literature also shows mixed opinions as well.

Our view? Write the essay. For a few students it truly doesn’t matter – kids have been accepted into Harvard before without sending in the optional essay. On the flip side, if you know that your test scores, GPA, or ECs are average or worse (in the context of Harvard, that describes 99% of applicants)– then the optional essay provides an invaluable opportunity to enhance your application and increase your chance of catching the eye of that admissions counselor.

We polled a random sample of 225 members of Harvard’s Class of 2017, and found that of those accepted students, 193 of them had written the essay versus 35 who hadn’t. 85% of these accepted wrote the essay, so you probably should as well.

And when you do write that optional essay, be sure to go big; write an essay on a totally unique passion, a compelling narrative of a key moment in your life, or an insightful academic essay that highlights your intellectual talents. Statistically, your chances of getting into Harvard are so slim that it can’t hurt.

Curious about your chances of acceptance to Harvard? Our free chancing engine takes into account your GPA, test scores, extracurriculars, and other data to predict your odds of acceptance at over 500 colleges across the U.S. We’ll also let you know how you stack up against other applicants and how you can improve your profile. Sign up for your free CollegeVine account today to get started!

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Permanent Link: https://blogs.babson.edu/graduate/2012/08/31/the-optional-essay-and-why-you-should-opt-in/

Graduate Blog / Graduate Admissions

The optional essay and why you should opt in.

By Barbara Selmo | August 31, 2012

I have been blogging about how to embark on the MBA application process as a research project. But a recent conversation I had with a colleague (thanks, James) inspired me to jump right to an aspect of the application that many of you may not be ready for: the optional essay .

Like a lot of other business schools, Babson offers you the opportunity to submit an optional essay, that is, an essay in addition to the three required. Like other schools, we let you decide your topic. What is constantly surprising to me, though, is how few applicants really use this essay to their full advantage.   Here are five ways in which you can successfully use this option, plus: a stylistic tip and a few examples of how misusing the optional essay can diminish your prospects as well as potentially alienate a very busy Admissions Committee.

1.       Explain your undergraduate performance.

Don’t use this essay just to explain your low GPA, or why you did poorly in your major, or why in one semester you earned 3 D’s, an F, and a Withdrawal. Use it to explain what happened, how you overcame your performance. You can – and should – take time to address the bigger picture. The Committee would really like to read your answers, because they had these very questions after reviewing your transcript.

2.       Explain your scores.

Being a bad test taker may be your reason for low scores, but if you chose to use your optional essay to explain a GMAT or GRE score, I recommend you set some context for your poor test taking skills/ability and provide some hard evidence. For TOEFL/IELTS takers, this essay is a great place for giving examples of why your English skills are far better than your scores (case in point—the essay itself is an example of your English skills).

3.       Explaining your work history.

Serial temp? Travelled the world a little too long? Or, conversely, have some stupendous successes on the job? All these points can be masterfully addressed in a pithy, example-laden essay.

4.       Special circumstances

College, test taking, work settings—your performance in all of these settings can easily be affected by a major life crisis or personal challenge. If you experienced a crisis, use this essay to explain, in a succinct and sensitive way, what we should know about it and its effects on you.

5.       Successes, awards, special recognition

Although Babson, like many schools, has a section in the application in which you can enter awards and honors, you may like to describe in detail the honors and accolades you have received or the successes you have achieved. Please do.

STYLISTIC TIPS for the Optional Essay

• Stick to the word limit, if given one.  If not, 250 words suffice.
• Write an essay (lots of on-line and old school reference material on the structure of an essay are available). Three short sentences do not make an optional essay.

And finally, how NOT to use the Optional Essay:

• For excuses
• For complaints
• For repeating the contents of our website in an effort to convince the Admissions Committee that you really, really love us.

Good luck.  Think big.

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Your Complete Guide to Optional and Reapplicant MBA Essays

Jul 11, 2022

UPDATE: This article was originally posted on July 6, 2018. It has been updated with new information and tips below. 

Part of the difficulty of applying for business school is figuring out how to present yourself while painting a consistent picture of your personality and achievements throughout the process.

However, if your case is different from most — perhaps you’ve got a lower-than-average GMAT score, perhaps extenuating circumstances have forced you to apply in Round 3, or perhaps you’re reapplying to business school — you will find yourself needing to discuss elements of your profile that fall outside the traditional MBA application. 

That’s where a special type of essay comes in: optional and reapplicant essays .

Done well, these essays can provide the additional context needed to give your application the edge it needs. If done poorly, your application is unlikely to move forward. 

To help you make the most of these kinds of essays, we’ve compiled our expert tips to help ensure you use these “special” essays to their full advantage. 

What is an optional essay and who should write one?

In the past, the optional essay section was often extremely open-ended, with questions like London Business School ’s optional question “ Is there any other information you believe the Admissions Committee should know about you and your application to London Business School? (this question is optional) (500 words). ”

This type of question was perfect for applicants to highlight another skill, activity, or experience that they wanted to share with the admissions committee but didn’t quite manage to squeeze in anywhere else. 

How times have changed!

Not only have essay questions become shorter in general , the optional essay has become almost standardized across business schools. 

Take Kellogg ’s optional essay from 2021, for example. The question asks “ If needed, use this section to briefly describe any extenuating circumstances (e.g. unexplained gaps in work experience, choice of recommenders, inconsistent or questionable academic performance, etc.) ”. 

A nearly identical question is used for the optional essay prompt for most other top MBA programs, often with a limit of just 250 or 300 words .

The change in wording – and word limits – makes it clear that business schools do not want extra essays. They only want to hear about extenuating circumstances . 

Considering the fact that anything you write will add additional work for your reader – who already has a lot of material to read through for every applicant – and how important it is to precisely follow instructions, you must truly reflect on whether or not your case needs explaining in an optional essay. 

Good reasons to write optional essays include:

• A low GMAT score or poor academic performance
• Explaining your choice of recommenders
• Explaining any gaps or confusing jumps in your work experience
• Any relevant personal circumstances that have greatly influenced your application 

Though it’s tempting to fill every box with information about why you are a great fit for your dream school, resist this temptation and make sure, first and foremost, that you follow instructions . 

Really, though. There is no easier way to annoy the admissions committee than to flout their instructions. So make sure you really ask yourself, “Is my application truly incomplete without this information?”

Looking for example optional essays that cover a wide range of subjects? Our MBA Resource Center has dozens of successful sample essays, in addition to successful essays from countless schools, brainstorm guides, resume templates, interview mocks and answer models, and much more. Find out more about your one-stop shop for MBA application success here .

What does a “good” optional essay include?

In a word: brevity . 

In some cases, the admissions officer reviewing your file has already read over 1,000 words before getting to your optional essay. 

This means that they don’t need to read a novel about why your boss is not writing one of your letters of recommendation. 

In most cases, a simple, straightforward explanation is more than enough to get the point across.  

If you need to explain a shortcoming in your application – such as a low GMAT score – you also want to make sure to provide evidence that you are still well-suited to add value to your target school’s MBA program and show any relevant growth in the area of concern. 

For example, despite building a challenging, high-performance career in the financial markets, our client João’s quant score on the GMAT exam was lower than ideal. 

To show his score was not an accurate reflection of his abilities, he included this in his optional essay: 

“First, I would like to address my low GMAT quantitative score. Math has never been a problem for me. As such, I chose to pursue a career in the financial markets, a very quantitative industry. I have been improving my math skills, mainly in statistics and probability, for more than 10 years at university and in my career. I have also done professional courses in derivatives and risk management, and have passed through the first two stages of the CFA certification process. As a result, despite my low score, I strongly believe that I have the quantitative skills necessary to thrive in the Michigan MBA program .”

Though this is slightly on the long side for an optional essay, the candidate had ample evidence to present to offset his less-than-stellar performance. In the end, the essay was enough to earn him an admissions offer. 

Finally, be careful where you draw attention.

If your quant score on GMAT was 50 rather than an elusive, perfect 51, there is no need to explain this. More likely than not, the admissions committee member reading this optional essay will respond with an eye roll. 

As such, think carefully about where your application and/or profile may be slightly below average for the school to which you are applying and address only these issues. 

What is a reapplicant essay and who should write one?

Perhaps you applied to business school last year but weren’t quite able to land a spot at your dream school. 

That doesn’t mean you should give up on your business school dream! We have worked with numerous reapplicants who have secured spots at Harvard , Columbia , and other elite MBA programs only the second time around . 

As a reapplicant, however, you need to be conscious of the fact that you have a unique challenge that first-time applicants do not. First and most importantly, you must reflect on why you were not admitted the first time around. 

Though there are many factors that go into play, some of the most common reasons a candidate is dinged are: a low GMAT, a lack of clearly-defined goals, and a failure to demonstrate fit with his or her target school. 

As such, throughout your application, you must focus on showing the admissions committee how you have grown and evolved as a person and professional since your last application. 

One of the most appropriate places to do so is in your reapplicant essay. 

Let’s take a look at Columbia Business School’s prompt for reapplicants (especially critical given the fact that this is the only essay CBS allows reapplicants to submit). 

The question states:

The question is perfect in its clarity. Columbia wants you to get to the point, showing them how you have grown and what your short-term and long-term goals are. 

Though not all business schools ask the question in exactly the same way, your task is the same: show them the “new and improved you.”

Keep reading for our top tips on how to write this essay (including past successful essays) in the next section. 

What does a “good” reapplicant essay include?

When writing your reapplicant essay, you must keep the word “delta” in mind. 

Defined as the “ an increment of a variable ,” in your application, delta should be defined to mean the difference between old you and new you.  

Though there are many ways to demonstrate “delta,” some of the most effective in a reapplicant essay include:

• A higher GMAT score
• Clarified or refined goals
• Additional leadership or managerial responsibilities at work
• Additional international experience
• New or additional community service experiences

Let’s take our client Pedro for example.

The year before putting the Ellin Lolis Advantage to work for him, he had submitted an application to Columbia Business School that, among its greatest flaws, did not state coherent goals. Though Pedro had built a strong finance career, he focused his post-MBA goals in his first application on launching an art gallery. 

For the admissions committee, it was a bit too much of a jump, and Pedro was dinged without an interview. 

After coming to us and critically reviewing his application , we developed a new line of attack that leveraged his company’s desire to sponsor his MBA and give him a leading role in expanding the company’s regional presence.

Furthermore, we focused on showing how he had sought to grow as a leader both at work and in the community to really reinforce the value he could bring to Columbia. 

Here’s how he did that:

“Not being admitted to the Columbia MBA was a big failure for me, though I can now see it was important, as it helped me realize what passion to follow, where I needed to improve, and what I needed to do to accomplish these things. Thus, I took steps to come closer to reaching my goals. 

After going through a process of self-reflection and talking to many people, including the president of BANK, I realized that the bank has many opportunities for development, and not just in Brazil. BANK’s expansion throughout Latin America will require home-grown talent that is able to implement our DNA in a way that is compatible with local cultures and business practices. I want to play an important role in this process in two different ways. By acting as a connector, I will establish relationships with local players and open new markets to Brazilian companies. By building an adequate organizational structure, I will help prepare and manage our future leaders in this task. 

Having decided on my goals, I started working on my own development. Professionally, I improved my negotiation skills when helping clients avoid default in the current economic environment. Although I still don’t directly manage people, I formally took action in the bank’s institutional recruiting and coaching of interns. Additionally, I engaged in two external consulting projects to restructure the bank’s commercial department. These projects gave me greater insight into the areas of general management and organizational planning. 

Although I decided not to pursue the arts as a career, it remains a strong passion of mine. Therefore, I have continued to run and improve my volunteer organization “Integrarte,” which takes underprivileged children to museums to increase their interaction with art. Recently, I have taken steps to add an arts education component to the initiative and have been developing a methodology to scale the project with NGOs using a feasible, low-cost model. I believe that combining business skills with an inner passion for arts can help me continue to share this passion and impact others. 

Now that I am sure where I am going, the Columbia MBA is even more essential to enable my growth. I am looking forward to hearing Carlos Brito talk about the challenges of transforming a local company into a global giant. Also, attending classes such as “The Future of Financial Services” and “Napoleon’s Glance” will help me better understand the financial industry and improve my decision-making skills for the future. Outside of the classroom, I am excited to participate in the Arts and Culture Club and am interested in organizing a trip to Inhotim in Brazil to explore the combination of arts and social empowerment. 

Lastly, I also expanded my network of contacts, getting in touch with CBS alumni and current students, such as XXXX (Class of ‘XX), a close friend of mine. This enabled me to get to know the school even better and has only reinforced that Columbia is the best possible fit for my post-MBA goals. It is the only school that provides the combination of learning specific concepts of finance from top-level faculty and contact with people from all around the globe in a city where the cultural and professional possibilities are truly limitless.”

In your own reapplicant essay, you should similarly discuss how you have overcome any weak spots in your application and provide evidence that reinforces your strong interest in your target MBA program. 

Furthermore, if you have visited the school since you last applied, you may want to include a mention of how this visit shaped your view of the school and what it offers. Though we don’t feel that simply adding, “I visited campus earlier this year,” adds much value, showing the school the insights that you gleaned from attending classes and interacting with students – and how these insights reinforced that the school is the best fit for you – can definitely make your reapplicant essay more compelling. 

With those elements in place, you will be well on your way to reaching your long-awaited goal of attending an elite business school. 

Ask for an outsider’s perspective

Self-reflection of any type is challenging. 

It can be a complex task to identify weaknesses in your profile – reapplicant or not – and then develop a surgically precise strategy to address these weak spots and how you’ve worked to overcome them in your application. 

If you’re not sure exactly how to do this, we’d be happy to help you make this critical decision . 

At Ellin Lolis Consulting, we pride ourselves on offering personalized solutions to ensure you tell your best story. Perhaps that’s why we have a 98.9% success rate in placing comprehensive consulting clients in top business schools around the world.  

As our client – and successful CBS reapplicant – Pedro Kuczynski said, “ In a nutshell, Ellin Lolis Consulting is the X factor in preparing for any MBA. ”

Want to put the Ellin Lolis Advantage to work for your admissions essays? Find out more about our team of expert MBA essay editors here .

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Law School Optional Essays: What to Know

Write optional essays only if they contribute to your case for admission.

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A classic mistake applicants make is to write as much as allowed, hoping that something will stick. Applicants can best show their professionalism, communication skills and respect for the reader by writing efficiently and purposefully.

Every law school requires applicants to submit a personal statement, typically limited to two or three double-spaced pages, along with a resume typically limited to two pages. These two documents provide applicants with their chief opportunities to detail their interests, goals and path to law school.

Beyond those core documents, many law schools allow other essays, usually optional but sometimes required. Most prominent is a type of essay that used to be called a diversity statement. 

Diversity, Perspective or Background Statements

Until recently, almost every law school offered an optional diversity statement. Prompts for diversity statements varied among law schools, but typically concerned an applicant’s identity and background, past hardships or potential to contribute to a diverse and inclusive campus environment.

After the U.S. Supreme Court outlawed race-conscious admissions policies in June 2023, law schools adapted diversity statements in different ways, which will likely continue to evolve over future admissions cycles.

Currently, most law schools offer one or more optional essay prompts that give applicants an opportunity to discuss their perspective, identity, personal adversity, experience interacting with diverse viewpoints or other topics related to diversity.

While it’s hard to generalize about all these essay prompts, they still differ from personal statements in many ways. They are more reflective, looking backward rather than forward. They often have tighter page or word limits.

The purpose of these optional statements is not solely for applicants to detail their unique background. Everyone is atypical in some ways . Rather, these optional essays are intended to free applicants from having to weave together their background and interests within the same two-page statement.

For example, imagine an Armenian American inspired by the trauma of the Armenian genocide to become an international human rights lawyer. This would make a great topic for a personal statement.

But what if that applicant actually feels most passionate about securities law? It would be counterproductive to force such a candidate to awkwardly cram genocide and securities law into the same essay. This is why schools allow applicants space to tell more complicated stories. 

Other Optional Law School Admission Essays

Beyond personal and diversity statements, some law schools also allow or require extra short essays. Most commonly, a school might ask about why an applicant would be a good fit for the school, often called a “Why this law school?” essay . These are almost always worthwhile to write.

Some schools have short-answer questions on topics like an applicant’s career goals or how an applicant aligns with the school’s values. A few schools, like Stanford University Law School in California and Georgetown University Law Center in Washington, D.C., have offbeat essay prompts that tend to vary from year to year.

Finally, some law schools provide dedicated space for applicants wishing to explain issues often covered by an addendum , like underperformance on standardized tests or in their transcripts. 

Are Optional Essays Worth Writing?

A classic mistake applicants make is to write as much as allowed , hoping that something will stick. Many law school applicants fear that if they fail to maximize every possible opportunity to write about themselves, they will appear lazy or disinterested. Therefore, they sabotage themselves by padding their application with redundant and repetitive text.

Applicants can best show their professionalism, communication skills and respect for the reader by writing efficiently and purposefully. Admissions officers have a limited amount of time, perhaps a matter of minutes, to review your application. Anything you write that does not contribute to a coherent argument for your admission risks wasting that time.

Thus, an optional essay is unnecessary if its key points are already adequately communicated through the personal statement or other materials. Optional essays should be used strategically to build your argument for admission. Don’t simply talk about yourself to fill space.

For example, if an optional essay prompt asks for your favorite book, there is no need to lie and claim that it is "The Common Law" by Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jr.

On the other hand, before you write about your love of "Harry Potter," consider whether and how that would bolster your application. Unless you can trace your interest in justice to Hermione’s efforts to emancipate house elves, you might be better off choosing another book or skipping the essay altogether.

In sum, optional essays should convey or emphasize something about you that your personal statement and other materials fail to address. If you cannot think of anything else that would strengthen your case, then forgo the essay. Like a lawyer, show meticulousness and fine judgment with restraint, not verbosity.

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About Law Admissions Lowdown

Law Admissions Lowdown provides advice to prospective students about the law school application process, LSAT prep and potential career paths. Previously authored by contributors from Stratus Admissions Counseling, the blog is currently authored by Gabriel Kuris, founder of Top Law Coach , an admissions consultancy. Kuris is a graduate of Harvard Law School and has helped hundreds of applicants navigate the law school application process since 2003. Got a question? Email [email protected] .

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The MBA Essay is Usually Not Optional: Why You Should Write It

Lana Silanteva - 700+CLUB

Lana Silanteva is an mba.com Featured Contributor and the Co-Founder and Head of Verbal at 700+CLUB . 

You’ve already spent weeks preparing your application for business school – not to mention the months you put into studying for the GMAT exam.

Now, you have all the mandatory components of your application ready: a thorough required essay, a great GMAT score you’re happy with, a recommender who can tell a compelling story of why you’re a strong candidate, and a top-notch CV to boot.

All that’s left is the optional essay.

Before you get started on crafting your optional essay, you need to know whether the optional essay is – or isn’t – right for you, the purpose of the optional essay in the first place, and how to write a strong essay that will get you admitted into your dream business school.

All of your questions – and concerns – will be answered below.

Is the optional MBA essay really optional?

Well, it depends.

For some prospective business school students, the optional essay is a chance to explain any shortcomings in your application. For others, the optional essay can help set you apart from other applicants and strengthen your candidacy.

Part of determining whether an optional essay is right for you depends on what type of essay the admissions committee is looking for. There are two main types:

Explain extenuating circumstances

Some business schools ask applicants whether they should be aware of any extenuating circumstances that could affect a student’s application. Here, an applicant could address potential weaknesses, such as a low GPA, low GMAT score, employment or education gap, or an unlikely choice of recommender.

An applicant should write this type of optional essay if circumstances or challenges in a candidate’s life affected the strength of their application. For example, working part-time during school to support your family or dealing with an illness are extenuating circumstances that could have affected an applicant – such challenges could have lowered your GPA or GMAT score, or caused education or employment gaps in your CV. In such cases, the optional essay would allow the admissions committee to assess you more fairly.

If an applicant did not experience difficult circumstances that affected their application, then the optional essay is not necessary – instead, an applicant will be assessed purely on the merits of their application.

Provide additional information

Other business schools ask applicants open-ended questions about any other information that would be helpful for a student’s application. Essentially, business schools are asking if there is anything else they should know.

With this type of optional essay, applicants have the opportunity to tell their story. Every student is more than just numbers on a page – while a high GPA and GMAT score are impressive, business schools want to know more about why you want to attend their business school and how you can contribute to the learning community.

You can share achievements in your life, experiences, skills, or personality traits that haven’t yet been revealed in the other components of your application. Sharing these additional details will strengthen your application by painting a fuller picture for the admissions committee of more reasons to consider you as a future student.

It is highly recommended for all applicants to write the optional essay if the admissions committee is requesting additional information – after all, this type of essay is giving you the chance to shine and tell your story on your terms.

I’ve already taken my GMAT exam and submitted my CV, why should I write an optional essay?

There are many reasons to write the optional essay, depending on the type of information the admissions committee is looking for. Here are some reasons you should consider:

Academic weakness

A grade of C or lower on your academic record or a low GPA should be explained to the admissions committee. The optional essay is your chance to share why you may have academic weaknesses and, most importantly, how you worked to improve your academic performance.

Low GMAT score

The GMAT is a critical component of your application, but you can still be admitted if you provide a clear explanation for a lower score.

Any circumstances that made it challenging to excel at the GMAT should be discussed in your optional essay. Also, be sure to highlight how your other achievements and skills continue to make you a strong candidate.

Education gap

Taking time off during your studies won’t stop you from being admitted. With the right explanation for the admissions committee, you can show them why you would be a great fit for the MBA program.

Explain why you may have spent time on academic probation, for reasons such as personal hardship or family difficulties. 

Employment gaps or career changes

You may need to explain to the admissions committee why there are gaps of several months between experiences on your CV. Make sure to highlight positive experiences that you had during your time off, such as professional development courses, volunteer opportunities, or extenuating circumstances like having to care for a family member.

If you’re transitioning to the business field from another profession, the admissions committee will want to be sure you made a careful, thoughtful, and considered decision. Use the optional essay to explain why you think an MBA is right for you.

Recommender choice

Not all MBA applicants can comfortably approach their current employer for a recommendation. Perhaps your employer isn’t aware of your MBA plans yet or you haven’t worked at your present company for a long enough time to receive a stellar recommendation.

The optional essay can prevent the admissions committee from making negative assumptions about your relationship with your employer.

MBA preparedness

Not all applicants come from a business background. In fact, business schools would love to hear about the diverse experiences that draw applicants to their MBA program.

The admissions committee, however, still wants to be sure that you are prepared for the academic rigor required of an MBA program. Discuss courses that you took to get ready for business school, like calculus, economics, and statistics.

Additional valuable experiences

Beyond your GPA, GMAT score, and CV, you may have valuable personal experiences that make you stand out as a candidate.

Volunteer experiences, leadership roles, and other accomplishments might not fit into the other application components. The optional essay is your opportunity to add more value to your application and create a narrative of how your experiences brought you to the MBA program.

Delayed MBA

The MBA program attracts students with a wide array of experiences. For personal or professional reasons, some applicants only realize an MBA is right for them later in their careers – and that’s okay.

In the optional essay, show the admissions committee why you believe an MBA is the next step for you, regardless of where you started.

Can optional essays hurt my chances of being admitted?

As long as you’re providing the admissions committee with an honest picture of who you are as a candidate, then an optional essay will not hurt your chances of being admitted.

In most cases, an optional essay can strengthen your application, because it can explain any weaknesses and highlight additional skills or experiences that make you a top applicant. 

If your weaknesses are explained and all your strengths are communicated in your application, then your optional essay will serve to complement your candidacy.

How do I succeed at the optional essay?

The optional essay is a chance for you to explain any discrepancies and add value to your application by revealing more strengths and experiences.

To write a successful optional essay, make sure to leave it for last when you are preparing your application. Once all your other application components are ready, you can better assess whether you need to address weaknesses or give more details about why you belong in an MBA program.

Once you determine that an optional essay is going to help your application, ensure that the additional details you are providing can’t be included elsewhere in your application. The admissions committee has a lot of applications to consider, and you must be sure to include all the necessary details in each component of your application.

If instructions are provided, be sure to follow them. Each school may have a different word count or other expectations for the optional essay, so writing a different optional essay for each school is recommended.

Keep your essay focused and don’t use excessive space to get your point across. Add insights you gained from the experiences you are including and if discussing your weaknesses, explain how you worked to address them.

In writing your optional essay, it is vital to be as clear and concise as possible. You should avoid unnecessary details and information that is included in other parts of your application. Instead, focus on key points that make your application stronger.

The bottom line

The optional essay is – usually – not optional.

Most applicants will want to consider writing it to explain extenuating circumstances, address potential weaknesses, or add valuable details that strengthen their chance of being admitted.

The optional essay is your opportunity to shine – make sure the admissions committee knows all the facts to make the case that you are the MBA applicant that they’re looking for.

Lana Silanteva is an mba.com Featured Contributor and the Co-Founder and Head of Verbal at 700+CLUB . 700+Club is a student-centric, venture-backed online test prep and admission consulting company. Every year they help thousands of students achieve their best scores and get admitted to the top B-schools around the world. At 700+ Club, they believe that test preparation should be fun, engaging, innovative and result-oriented. With 99%-ile teachers, innovative  and digital learning tools, and a comprehensive methodology, they are certain that you will achieve your best test score. They say about themselves: "We are not a test prep company, we are your test prep support system."

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Optional Essays: To Write or Not to Write?

Do you have to write the optional essay? Our experts give you the honest truth.

In the past, schools asked several essay questions that covered most angles of an applicant’s personal and professional history. Most experts recommended that applicants only use optional essays to inform the admissions committee of extenuating circumstances, anomalies in their backgrounds, or in some rare cases, an extraordinary accomplishment not covered by the required prompts. While we still strongly recommend candidates use the optional essay for this reason (more on that in a bit), the idea that the optional essay be used solely for this purpose is dated.

As of late, the optional essay really ought to be referred to as the “recommended essay.” Over the past few admissions cycles, business schools have reduced the number and length of required essays... But this doesn’t necessarily mean the number of essays included in a completed application should be lower. Instead, most applicants ought to take advantage of the opportunity to share further information with the admissions committee, whether it mitigates a weakness or not.

But what information should you include in an optional essay? Well, it depends. There are two primary approaches applicants should take when determining the topic of their optional essays.

1. Further discuss that which makes you a strong candidate. By answering optional questions, you can highlight your desirable skills, experiences, or elements of your background. This will help the admissions committee get a well-rounded picture of who you are as an applicant and how you will contribute to the incoming class.

2. Mitigate any weaknesses in your application. Pay attention — this is important! If you have extenuating circumstances or other anomalies in your applicant profile, it is imperative you continue to focus your optional essays on those issues. While your experience and accomplishments are relevant and should be mentioned in other areas of your application, you must first make up for any shortcomings that may affect your candidacy. Use your essays to address these inconsistencies and demonstrate the ways you’ve worked to overcome them.

Examples of application weaknesses that should be addressed in the optional essay and how to tackle them:

→ Low GPA or test scores. If you are applying to business school with numbers that aren’t quite as high as the admissions committee would like to see, it’s not the end of the world. Your academic weaknesses may be an opportunity for you to discuss challenges you’ve faced in the past and how you’ve worked to overcome them. Be sure to highlight ways you’ve improved in your later years of college, other academic courses, test scores, and/or work performance. 

→ Non-traditional choice of recommender. Typically, MBA applicants request a recommendation from their work supervisor. Because they work closely with this person on a regular basis, the supervisor is usually able to write a knowledgeable recommendation detailing the applicant’s skills and experiences. However, not all applicants feel comfortable asking their supervisor for a letter of recommendation. This could be due to a number reasons i.e. Not working together very long, clashing personalities, or the applicant not wanting the supervisor to know their plans to get an MBA. These are all justifiable reasons to request a recommendation from another individual, but it is best to tell the admissions committee up front why you made this decision in order to prevent any speculation. 

→ Non-traditional work experience. Whether you have long gaps in your employment or have made a major career change, it’s wise to explain this to the admissions committee. In general, if you have any employment gaps over one to two months, you should use your optional essay to mention what you were doing during that time. If you were continuing your education, volunteering, or gaining new, valuable experience, your employment gap can easily turn into an application strength. If you’ve recently made a big career shift, it’s in your best interest to explain to the admissions committee your logic behind the change and reaffirm the reasons you are applying to business school. No matter what career shift you have made, it is imperative that the admissions committee understands why an MBA is the next best step for you to achieve your goals.

Whatever you do, don’t do this.

Now that you know the reasons why you might want to write an optional essay, its critical you understand some key things you ought not to do in your optional essay. 

First and most importantly: Our advice that you write the optional essay is not a license to engage in frivolity or dysentery of the keyboard. Seriously. Keep your rambling to yourself and remember that the optional essay should present as professionally as your required essays. 

When writing your optional essay, we strongly recommend you adhere to the following guidelines:

• Do not share frivolous information.
• Do not share information that appears (or can appear) elsewhere in your application (data forms, short answer, etc.).
• Only share information that enhances your candidacy.  For example: Wharton’s optional essay question follows a required question about what candidates hope to gain from a Wharton MBA. Therefore, applicants should not use the optional essay to elaborate on reasons for applying to Wharton as those should have been covered exhaustively in the required essay. If not, then applicants should re-examine their response to that essay.

To ensure your optional essay is as effective as possible, consider these potential prompts:

• Write about a formative experience that has shaped you, therefore explaining what you would bring to the incoming class and wider school community.
• Discuss a proud accomplishment and the lessons from it that you can share with classmates.
• Optional essay responses should complement required essay responses.  Using Wharton as an example: If your answer to the required question (Question 1) focused on professional factors, you might consider discussing extracurricular (athletic, community, charitable) or personal information as a response to the optional prompt. You might also take the opportunity to highlight unique aspects of yourself and candidacy. If you have accomplished a truly extraordinary feat (finished a marathon, climbed a significant mountain, played a national level college sport, published research, published a book, helped bring clean water to a village in the developing world, etc.) consider expounding upon that accomplishment. Finally, consider how the answer to this essay question can reinforce your fit with the school.

Branding MBA Personal Brand Essays Optional Essays

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How to Nail the Law School Optional Essays/Statements: Standing Out from the Crowd

Learn how to stand out from the crowd with your law school optional essays and statements.

Posted May 12, 2023

Featuring Cian S.

Law School: Crafting a Compelling Personal Statement

Friday, april 19.

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Applying to law school can be an intimidating process. It's a highly competitive field and a single application mistake can cost you dearly. Law school admissions committees weigh multiple factors before making their decisions, including your undergraduate grades, LSAT scores, personal statements, letters of recommendation, and much more. However, there's one additional aspect of the application process that often gets overlooked: the optional essays/statements. These essays give you the chance to stand out, highlight your unique qualities and experiences, and give the admissions committee a deeper understanding of who you are as a potential law student. In this article, we'll explore why these optional essays matter, and provide tips for crafting outstanding essays that showcase your best self.

Why Optional Essays/Statements Matter for Law School Admissions

Firstly, it's important to understand that optional essays/statements aren't really optional. While they're not strictly required, they're highly recommended and can make a significant impact on your overall application. Law schools receive a large number of applications, with many of them having similar grades and LSAT scores. In such situations, these essays are the only way for you to differentiate yourself, showcase why you are an excellent candidate, and explain any unique circumstances that aren't addressed in other parts of your application. They offer a window into your personality, motivations, and passions - key factors that law schools want to uncover before admitting you into their program.

Moreover, optional essays/statements can also demonstrate your writing skills and ability to articulate your thoughts clearly and concisely. This is particularly important for law schools, as the legal profession requires strong writing skills. By submitting a well-written essay, you can show the admissions committee that you have what it takes to succeed in law school and beyond. Additionally, these essays can also provide an opportunity for you to address any weaknesses in your application, such as a low GPA or a gap in your academic history. By acknowledging these issues and explaining how you have overcome them, you can demonstrate your resilience and determination to succeed in the face of adversity.

Understanding the Purpose of Optional Essays/Statements

Before diving into writing these essays, it's important to understand their purpose. The optional essays/statements can serve several purposes, such as:

• Explaining your motivations for applying to law school and pursuing a career in law.
• Highlighting specific life experiences that have prepared you for a career in law.
• Addressing potential weaknesses in your application, such as low grades or LSAT scores, career gaps, or lack of extracurricular activities.
• Contributing unique perspectives to the classroom by showcasing your diverse background and experiences.

By understanding the purpose of these essays, you'll be better equipped to craft a compelling and authentic narrative that resonates with the admissions committee.

Another purpose of optional essays/statements is to demonstrate your interest in a particular law school. This can be achieved by discussing specific programs, clinics, or professors that align with your career goals and interests. It shows the admissions committee that you have done your research and are genuinely interested in attending their institution.

Additionally, optional essays/statements can be used to explain any extenuating circumstances that may have affected your academic or personal life. This could include a medical condition, family responsibilities, or a traumatic event. By providing context for any challenges you have faced, you can help the admissions committee understand your unique circumstances and how you have overcome them.

Identifying the Right Topics for Optional Essays/Statements

Choosing the right topic for your optional essay is crucial. You want to pick a topic that showcases your strengths and adds value to your overall application. Some potential topics to consider include:

• Overcoming adversity in your life and how it has prepared you for law school.
• Highlighting a unique experience or perspective that you'll bring to the classroom.
• Discussing how a particular academic, professional, or personal challenge has helped you grow and become a better candidate.
• Showcasing your motivations for pursuing a career in law and how you intend to contribute to the legal profession.

Once you have identified potential topics, it's important to pick the one that aligns best with your overall narrative and that you're passionate about.

It's also important to keep in mind the specific requirements and guidelines provided by the law school you're applying to. Some schools may have specific prompts or word limits for their optional essays, so make sure to read and follow their instructions carefully. Additionally, consider seeking feedback from trusted advisors or mentors to help you refine your topic and ensure that your essay effectively communicates your message.

Tips for Writing Compelling and Authentic Optional Essays/Statements

While there's no specific formula for writing excellent optional essays/statements, there are several tips that can help you craft an outstanding piece of writing:

• Start early: Give yourself enough time to brainstorm, draft, and revise your essays.
• Show, Don't Tell: Use anecdotes, examples, and specific details to show your story, instead of just telling it.
• Be Authentic: Avoid clichés and write from your own voice, using your own life experiences and perspectives.
• Be Purposeful: Ensure that your essay is cohesive and that every sentence serves a purpose.
• Be Clear: Write in a clear, concise, and organized manner; avoid using jargon or excessively long sentences.

By following these tips, you'll be better equipped to write a compelling and authentic essay that stands out from the crowd.

Another important tip to keep in mind is to tailor your essay to the specific school or program you're applying to. Research the institution and its values, and make sure your essay aligns with them.

Additionally, don't be afraid to ask for feedback from others. Share your essay with trusted friends, family members, or mentors and ask for their honest opinions. This can help you identify areas for improvement and ensure that your essay is as strong as possible.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in Optional Essays/Statements

While there are many dos in crafting optional essays/statements, there are also a few don'ts that you should be aware of:

• Avoid writing about controversial or sensitive topics that might come across as inappropriate or offensive
• Don't use your essay to make excuses for poor grades, LSAT scores, or other application weak spots
• Avoid generic or obvious statements that don't provide insight into who you are as a candidate
• Avoid using fillers or fluff to make your essay longer than necessary
• Don't be afraid to showcase your personality and your unique style of writing, but make sure to stay within the bounds of professionalism.

Another common mistake to avoid in optional essays/statements is failing to proofread and edit your work. Spelling and grammatical errors can detract from the overall quality of your essay and make it appear sloppy or rushed. Take the time to carefully review your work and make any necessary corrections before submitting your application.

Showcasing Your Unique Qualities and Experiences in Optional Essays/Statements

With so many applicants vying for a limited number of spots, you want to find ways to stand out. The optional essays/statements offer an excellent opportunity to showcase your unique qualities and experiences as a candidate. Whether it's your background, life experiences, or extracurricular activities, find ways to highlight those aspects of yourself that make you stand out from the crowd.

It's important to remember that the optional essays/statements are not just an opportunity to reiterate what's already in your application. Instead, use this space to provide additional context or information that may not have been fully captured elsewhere. For example, if you had a particularly challenging experience that shaped your perspective or approach to life, this could be a great topic to explore in your essay. Ultimately, the goal is to provide the admissions committee with a more complete picture of who you are as a person and why you would be a valuable addition to their program.

How to Tailor Your Optional Essays/Statements to Specific Law Schools

Every law school is unique and has specific values, missions, and cultures. It's important to tailor your optional essays/statements to reflect those specificities. Research the law schools you're interested in applying to and try to understand what they're looking for in candidates. Do they have specific programs or areas of expertise that align with your skills and interests? Find ways to showcase how you fit into their overall vision and mission.

Additionally, it's important to consider the geographic location of the law school. If you're applying to a school in a specific region, highlight any experiences or connections you have to that area. For example, if you're applying to a law school in the Pacific Northwest and have previously lived in that region, mention how that experience has shaped your perspective and why you're excited to return. By demonstrating your familiarity and connection to the area, you can show the admissions committee that you're a good fit for their school.

Examples of Successful Optional Essays/Statements

Reading successful essays written by others can give you insights into what makes a good essay. However, remember that your essay must be unique to you and your own passions and experiences. You can find great samples of essays from websites like Law School Toolbox and 7Sage.

It's important to note that while reading successful essays can be helpful, it's equally important to avoid copying or plagiarizing any part of someone else's work. Admissions committees are looking for authenticity and originality in your essay, so make sure to use these examples as inspiration rather than a template to follow.

Using Feedback and Revisions to Improve Your Optional Essays/Statements

It's always best to get feedback on your writing, especially when applying to law school. Find a trusted friend or mentor who can provide constructive criticism, and work to refine your essays based on that feedback. This will help you take your writing to the next level and substantially improve your overall application.

Finalizing and Submitting Your Optional Essays/Statements

Once you have crafted your essay, ensure that it aligns with your overall narrative, is proofread, formatted correctly, and adheres to the law school's instructions. Be sure to submit your essay before the deadline and keep a copy for your records.

Following Up with Law Schools After Submitting Your Application

After submitting your application, it's always a good idea to reach out to the law schools to get a sense of where they stand in their admissions process. You can also take this opportunity to express your continued interest in their program and provide any additional information that might be relevant to your application.

Additional Resources for Navigating the Law School Application Process

• Law School Toolbox
• LSAC (Law School Admissions Council)
• ABA (American Bar Association)

In conclusion, crafting outstanding optional essays/statements takes time, effort, and careful reflection. But by following the tips outlined above, you'll be well-positioned to differentiate yourself from the crowd and showcase why you're an excellent candidate for law school.

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Should I Write an Optional Admissions Essay?

July 16, 2021

Applying to college is a lot of work. Between crafting a college list, testing and sending your scores, writing your essays, and getting your recommendations together, it’s enough to overwhelm a student. With that in mind, hearing that the school you’re applying to has an optional secondary essay can feel like a relief. If it’s optional, it’s one fewer thing you have to do. But optional admissions essays shouldn’t be dismissed. Should you write an optional admissions essay? Let’s take a look and find out:

What is an optional admissions essay?

While all colleges require applicants to write a large or “main” essay—often through the  Common App  application system—many schools also offer shorter, optional essays as part of their applications. Often, for schools that use the Common App, these essays will be more specific to the particular school, while the admissions officers are aware that your large essay will be a more general one that you’ll be sending to every school on your list.

Optional essays are generally on the short side—around 200 to 250 words is typical, and these word counts are likely to be hard limits, not recommendations or guidelines. However, the exact policy will vary from school to school.

Unlike your larger essay, with which students have many options to pick their topic, the optional essay will usually ask a very specific question. Two of the most common are, “Why this school?” and, “Is there anything else we should know about you?” These are great opportunities to make your application feel more personal and show the school you’re a serious applicant.

Other schools will use the optional essay as a means of  asking to hear from  particular types of applicants—for instance, students of color or LBGT students—to ask to hear more about their experiences. If that’s the case, and you do fit into the demographics in question, this is an excellent opportunity to share your perspective in more detail. If you don’t fit into the demographics mentioned, don’t worry about writing an essay. The question doesn’t apply to you, and the admissions officers won’t be surprised you didn’t answer it.

How much time should I spend on an optional essay?

This is a difficult question, since essays can be pored over and rewritten nearly infinitely if you have the time. You should spend at least a few hours on it, between writing, editing, and then coming back to review what you’ve written after some time to sleep on it. While you shouldn’t be spending more time on your optional essay than on your long essay, it’s important to set some time aside for it and give it the attention it deserves.

So… Should I write the optional essay?

Generally,  yes ! The more you show the school you’re applying to, the better a picture they have of you, and the more opportunities you have to demonstrate what a great candidate you are. While there are some circumstances where writing the optional essay would be inappropriate (such as when it’s asking about an experience you haven’t had), or impossible (if you made a last-minute decision to add this school to your college list and are up against the application deadline), as a rule, the optional essay is an opportunity worth taking!

In particular, if the optional essay is a chance to tell a specific school why you want to attend, any smart student will seize that opportunity. But in general, when it comes to college applications, the more you can show of yourself, the better. So take the time to look over that optional essay, on your own, or with a friend or  tutor like our team at A-List , and get brainstorming!

Should you complete the optional essay on your MBA application?

Prodigy Finance - August, 01 2023

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Looking for a specific answer? Check these sections first:

When to complete the optional mba essay question, 4 reasons to complete the optional mba essay question, how should you answer the optional mba essay.

• What do ad comms want to see in an optional essay?
• Example optional essay response

If you’re just beginning to work on your MBA admissions essays , you’re likely filled with a combination of trepidation and optimism.

That makes perfect sense.

After all, there’s a lot riding on those words; your GMAT score is only a foot in the door , and your CV will prompt admissions officers to take another look . But once you’ve got their attention, your MBA essay can make all the difference between an interview request and the dreaded rejection letter. Writing the optional essay for MBA applications might seem unnecessary, but it can be used to your advantage. Your essay may convince business schools that you’re a worthy applicant, and encourage them to give you a seat.

So, should you complete that optional MBA essay?

Shouldn’t you make sure you do all you can to demonstrate your strong candidacy?

Unfortunately, this is another one of those blurry spots in the application process that you’ve got to consider quite carefully; there’s no blanket answer that works for everyone. On the other hand, there are a few guidelines you can use to help you decide whether to complete the optional MBA essay.

MBA application factors

Business schools consider various factors while deciding whether or not to accept you. They consider your GMAT or GRE scores, your GPA at the undergraduate level, your work experience, and your MBA application essay. Your MBA application essay is important because that is where your individuality will shine through. When you want to provide additional information or clarity on any part of your application, you should consider writing that optional essay. Through your MBA application, you need to convince the admission committees that you deserve a place at your desired university.

The optional MBA essay is your chance to explain any discrepancies in your application. If you’ve got a perfectly clean CV that you’re proud of and a GMAT to die for, then you probably don’t need to complete the optional essay. (Feel free to exhale now.)

However, if there are any inconsistencies, you’ll want to give that optional MBA essay a second chance. These are a few of the troubling areas to consider writing about:

• Low marks in your undergraduate studies , or any educational opportunities undertaken since then. There are many reasons this could have happened, but if you don’t spell it out for the admissions team, they’re free to think the worst. For example, it is quite possible that you scored a low GPA, but have been performing extremely well in a sport or in some other extracurricular activity. You’ll want to highlight that in your optional MBA essay.
• Low GMAT results . This test isn’t the end-all, be-all of MBA admissions, but a low score will raise more than eyebrows unless you explain the reasons behind it. If you’re wondering how to overcome a low GMAT score, writing that optional MBA essay is your solution.
• A missing reference from your current employer . There are a few reasons why you’d choose not to request a reference from your boss; it’s most likely that you don’t want your company to know you’re leaving. But if you don't explain this in your MBA essay, the admissions board might believe you’ve not behaved adequately in your present position.
• Gaps in employment or education should be addressed in this essay. If you don’t mention that you were travelling the world, the board could assume the worst. And, even if it is the worst thing you can imagine – you can always turn it around to your advantage by demonstrating what you’ve learned.

The optional essay is there for you to acknowledge the gaps in your application and to provide additional information to avoid lingering questions. You can’t assume that you’ll have a chance to clarify a gap when you get to the interview phase – you won’t get the invitation to speak if they can’t make heads or tails of your application.

Your MBA essay is not a place for emotion, however.

For example, if your final semester as an undergrad was marked by terrible grades that brought down your entire GPA, you want to let the admissions committee know why. If your dog was sick or you were consumed by your job search, say so in your MBA essay; whatever the reason, take responsibility for it.

What do admission committees want to see in an optional essay?

Any applicant completing an optional MBA essay should keep it as short and to the point as humanly possible.

It may not feel like an essay at all. If you only need two or three sentences to get your point across, then do so. Never expound because you think it’s too short; it’s not.

And, don’t tell the admission committees how they should look at it or feel about it. Indeed, you shouldn’t even mention how you feel about it. You should, however, explain what you learned from the experience and how it shaped you as a human being or a business leader.

Optional MBA application essay examples

To address the low GPA example, you could simply say, “My final term marks were lower than average as I was coping with an illness in the family. The experience taught me about dealing with unavoidable situations and my instinctive reactions to overwhelming factors. While it didn’t assist with my GPA, I was able to use this understanding to more successfully navigate the challenges when faced with a similar situation during my time with AB Company, where I employed better communication and delegation skills to overcome the shortfalls previously experienced.”

It’s less than 100 words, answers the why question, demonstrates that you recognise where you may have gone wrong, shows what you learned from it, and provides proof that you’re not stressed about what the low GPA could mean for your entire application.

Now, if you have a few gaps to address, it’s time to get cracking with that additional essay. If not, perhaps it’s back to revising your CV.

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4 Cases Where MBA Applicants Should Write an Optional Essay

Our advice? First, complete your entire application package, except for the optional essay. Don’t worry about that piece of the puzzle just yet. Then, review your application to see if there is something extra you would like to communicate that you cannot address elsewhere in the application.

The following advice should be considered within the context of your overall strategy and target business school(s), but these areas are prime material for the optional essay.

Use the Optional Essay to Address Academic Weaknesses

A grade of C or below on your undergraduate transcript will give the admissions committee pause. They will want to know why, and determine whether it’s an outlier in your overall academic record. Strike an upbeat tone here and avoid excuses. Make sure you emphasize your improved performance either later in your college career or in subsequent work or classes since college.

Explain your issue clearly and focus the balance of your essay on looking forward. Explain what have you done in the recent past to prove your skills and intelligence. If you have a new GMAT score or took classes in calculus or statistics, you have a solid case for improved academics.

Use the Optional Essay to Address Employment Gaps or Major Career Changes

You don’t have to explain a short gap between school and a secured job, but something like several months between two jobs should be addressed.

Did you use that time off to do volunteer work in Guatemala, or care for an ailing parent? Maybe you used the time away to focus on an entrepreneurial dream unencumbered by the 9-to-5 grind. Ideally you can point to additional education, training, volunteering or traveling that you engaged in while unemployed.

If you recently switched careers and feel concerned that the admissions committee may not see how you arrived at the conclusion that an MBA would help further your professional aspirations, use the optional essay space to make an airtight case for why you want to go into this new field and show that the decision was reasoned and well-thought-out.

Use the Optional Essay to Address   Choice of Recommender

Not every applicant feels comfortable asking their current employer for a recommendation letter. Perhaps they aren’t ready to let their boss know of their MBA plans, or maybe there is a personality conflict that might not lead to the most glowing recommendation. Sometimes, the issue is that the applicant hasn’t worked with the supervisor long enough for him or her to comment meaningfully on the candidate’s performance.

Whatever the reason, you should briefly address your decision not to seek a recommendation from your current supervisor in the optional essay space. The admissions committee understands the various circumstances which may prevent it, but you need to explain why anyway to eliminate any doubts or wrong assumptions about the quality of your working relationship with your employer.

Use the Optional Essay to Convey  Information That Adds to Your Candidacy

This is where you can introduce information about yourself that you simply couldn’t find a way to incorporate elsewhere. If you are a re-applicant, the optional essay is the ideal place to explain what you have done since your last application to strengthen your case for admission – such as receiving a promotion – which would signal career development and leadership. Even if you don’t have a clear-cut development to describe, you can use this space to explain how you have improved your thinking, career goals or fit.

Finally, if you don’t have a weakness to address and the school has an open-ended optional essay question, this is opportunity to provide information you couldn’t work into the other required essays.

For example, if you have an unusual background, hobby or extracurricular experience, this may be a chance to showcase your unique profile. Check out these “optional essay” videos submitted by past MBA applicants to Babson College and MIT Sloan School of Management for inspiration.

The optional essay truly is optional. So take advantage of it if necessary, but exercise good judgement and restraint.

With deadlines around the corner, you may be interested in the world-famous SBC Flight Test . Once a full set of application materials for your initial school have been drafted, but not finalized, the application will be sent to a former admissions committee member for a one-time review, adcomm style. You’ll have the benefit of a true admissions committee review while still having the ability to tinker and change.  You will receive written feedback within two business days after submitting.

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June 11, 2021

3 Tips for Writing the Optional Essay in Medical School Secondary Applications

Many medical schools include an optional essay in their secondary applications . Obviously, this “optional” essay is not required, and the essay prompt sometimes emphasizes this point. Often, the question will include the stipulation that you cannot include anything that was already mentioned in your primary application or other essays. Some schools even state that most applicants don’t complete this optional essay. However, I recommend that students dig deep to find material to use for this essay, as a way to set themselves apart from other applicants.

There are many successful ways to approach this essay. Here are a few ideas:

Optional Essay Tip #1: Use this space for updates.

Technically, any new events or activities that you haven’t covered in the primary would make excellent content for this essay. As long as there isn’t another secondary question requesting updates specifically, writing about something new could be the most effective use of this space. With an updated copy of your CV or resume, make a list of all the latest developments in your academic and professional life, for example a new COVID-related volunteer commitment, a responsibility you assumed to reduce social injustice or any kind of service commitment. Depending on the character limit, provide as many details as is necessary. For the conclusion, discuss how these recent developments have better prepared you for their program.

Optional Essay Tip #2: Discuss any hobbies or talents that you have not previously mentioned.

If you play an instrument, compete in a sport, or create some form of art, you can discuss your development in these areas, if not already mentioned . Developing your fine motor skills or working well with a team are valuable abilities in medicine. While you may think that your interest in portrait photography doesn’t relate to the medical field, I’ll never forget a former client who became an otolaryngology surgeon – he used his love of portrait photography to develop his aesthetic sensibilities for reconstructive surgeries. Sharing your personal interests with the selection committee can often reveal what unique talents you will bring to your practice of medicine.

Optional Essay Tip #3: Share a recent personal experience or achievement.

If you have recently participated in a conference, hike, or marathon (or other similar event), you can write about the experience. As long as it’s not discussed anywhere else in your application , demonstrating how you enjoy finding new ways to challenge yourself to develop your skills can impress a selection committee. This type of essay could reveal your dedication to lifelong learning and personal development. In medical school, you will be encouraged to continually push yourself to discover new limits and talents. Why not start now? At the same time, it’s not going to impress anyone if you decide to hike Mount Everest and never return. Use good judgement in finding safe and healthy ways to test your limits.

Need personalized assistance with your secondary essays? Contact me or my colleagues at Accepted or check out our Secondary Application Services. I love working with clients on challenging essay questions. Many students discover things about themselves they never expected to learn through this process of self-examination and those newly revealed qualities are great material for optional essays.

Related Resources:

• The Ultimate Guide to Secondary Essay Questions From Top Med Schools , a free guide • Secondary Strategy: Answering “Why Do You Want to Go Here? “ • What NOT to Write in Your Medical School Secondary Application Essays

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How to tackle optional essays in your MBA Application?

MBA & Beyond Team

17/12/2023 | 3:05 pm

When assessing a candidate’s profile for admission to a business school, adcoms evaluates an individual on different parameters. They take your GMAT/GRE scores, undergraduate GPA, professional experience, MBA application essays, and many other aspects of your profile into consideration. Each of these aspects has a role to play in presenting your applications; essays present your personality, resume exhibit your professional achievements and career progression, LORs provide a viewpoint on who you are, and scores help understand your academic rigor.  

In all the profile evaluations we did, there is one aspect that baffles almost all the applicants with low GPA/GMAT- how to compensate for/defend it and present a strong narrative. Assuming you pay for it well, defending is where the MBA optional essay comes in and plays a critical role; writing an MBA optional essay helps an applicant give more information or clarity on the areas of the application that you couldn’t defend anywhere. The MBA optional essay aims to address your profile gaps and make a strong case for your candidature.

Learn how you can compensate for a low GPA/GMAT

The purpose of MBA optional essays is to offer you (the applicant) the benefit of the doubt rather than leaving questions totally up to the interpretation of an admissions officer. The MBA optional essay allows you to clarify any flaws in your application. Be it your low GPA in undergraduate, low GMAT, second MBA, education, job experience gaps, also if you have had any academic or legal misbehavior in the pastor or any other gap in your story such as why would you quit your current startup when your long term goal is to start a venture of your own. This article will help you understand how to defend your gaps in your MBA optional essays, thus presenting you as a strong applicant.

WHAT IS THE SIGNIFICANCE OF MBA OPTIONAL ESSAYS?

MBA Optional essays are another opportunity for applicants who have gaps in their application that could not be clarified in other parts of your MBA application; this MBA optional essay allows you to address those gaps and increase your chances of admission to the B-school.

Along with managing the reasons for gaps in your profile, in this MBA optional essay, you can discuss what makes you a strong prospect in further detail. You can showcase your preferred talents, experiences, or background components by answering MBA optional questions. This will provide the admissions committee with a complete picture of who you are as a candidate and how you will contribute to the incoming class.

You don’t always need to write optional Essays. As the name suggests, they are optional, and hence write them only if you have apparent gaps in your profile that you would like to explain or you want to exhibit some strong aspects of your profile that you could not talk about in other parts of your application.

TYPES OF MBA OPTIONAL ESSAYS.

There are two forms of MBA optional essays that a school’s admissions committee may commonly request.

HOW TO MAKE YOUR MBA OPTIONAL ESSAY STRONGER?

USE THE OPTIONAL ESSAY TO DISCUSS RECOMMENDER CHOICE – It’s very common for employees to be hesitant to tell their present bosses about their plans to quit the company to pursue an MBA. Furthermore, many businesses oppose their employees’ decision to continue their education. In this circumstance, candidates seek recommendations from other sources, such as their clients, acquaintances in other firms, or mentors in different industries, which might backfire and negatively impact the situation.

LOW SCORE, GMAT/GRE – If your score falls below the school’s average or does not accurately reflect your ability, the optional essay is the chance to remedy it. You can also write an extra essay to explain why your verbal or quantitative score is so low. You might also emphasize how you have succeeded in other areas. Multiple promotions, leadership, innovations, and performance at work, substantial community service, or brilliance in extracurricular activities are just a few examples of how you might make up for a poor GMAT score.

EMPLOYMENT GAP – It’s possible that being fired isn’t the sole cause of a career history gap. You’re young and carefree, and it’s conceivable that you’ve been bitten by the travel bug and decided to take some time off to see more of the world and do new things. There can be many different reasons for gaps in your work experience but if it’s considerable, do not leave them unexplained. 

LOW GPA – You don’t want to leave anything to guesswork or make your argument for a low GPA weaker.

Avoid putting things under the rug or being evasive. Assume you had a low GPA in your first two years because you suffered from over-committing and poor time management. In such a scenario, it’s fine to confess that mastering your time management abilities and learning to prioritize successfully takes some time. However, it indicates a great level of maturity and self-reflection.

Explain why a drop in grades is due to considerable hardship: you should not be embarrassed to mention if your grades are poor owing to exceptional circumstances, such as working part-time because a parent lost a job.

TIPS TO REMEMBER WHEN WRITING AN MBA OPTIONAL ESSAY

Stay as succinct as possible, if you can express your message in 50 words don’t drag your optional essay further. Come straight to the point.

Do adhere to the word limit (if none exists, it should not exceed the length of your statement). Usually, 250 words will be enough.

 If you want the admissions committee to spend more time reading it, you should attempt to present your case thoroughly.

Use the optional essay to convey information not conveyed in your primary essay or application, giving you an edge.

Share no information that appears (or may appear) elsewhere in your application (data forms, short answers, etc.). You will just bore the hell out of the adcoms!

EXAMPLE OF A LOW GMAT OPTIONAL ESSAY SAMPLE OF A SUCCESSFUL APPLICANT

In the Essay given below, the applicant has clearly explained how he has a strong academic rigor and given the pieces of evidence for the same.

There is no particular format to be followed in the MBA Optional essays. You can simply talk about the particular gap and explain it and present evidence that irrespective of the gap, how you still have the respective quality in your profile which makes you a strong applicant for the targeted B-school.

Hope this article helped you understand better how you can tackle MBA Optional essays (if you should). MBA applications can be very confusing and sometimes, scary too. But with the right people and strategy, you can ace them with beautiful colors

If you’d like, we are happy to get on a one-on-one Profile evaluation call with you and help you understand your strengths, and weaknesses and create a roadmap for you to tackle MBA applications! 

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Here’s What *NOT* to Do on the Optional Essay

Did you know when you apply to siena the essay is optional seriously , picking a topic that you don’t really connect with. , skipping the proofreading process. , not having fun while writing. , keeping it too general. , related news.

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How to Write the Optional Essay in MBA Applications

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Often undermined, Optional Essays can make a serious impact on your application. Few applicants understand the importance and approach for the optional essay and often end up making drastic errors. This short video, with the guidelines it offers, can make a difference to your MBA Applications and lift up the overall quality of the same.

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TMDSAS Optional Essay Example

There is a lot you can learn from a TMDSAS optional essay example. TMDSAS (short for the Texas Medical and Dental Schools Applications Services) is the central organization through which participating Medical Schools in Texas have come together to help with the success of aspiring physicians, podiatrists, dentists, and veterinarians. We will have a look at how you can apply to join these fields in detail and with optional essay examples to help with the process.

If you’re applying to medical schools in the United States, you are probably already familiar with the American Medical College Application Service (AMCAS) – which is a centralized online application processing service for applying to most medical schools in the country.

But, if you plan to apply to medical, dental, or veterinary schools in the state of Texas, you should know that the state uses its own application service – the  Texas Medical & Dental Schools Application Service (TMDSAS) .

>> Want us to help you get accepted? Schedule a free strategy call here . <<

Article Contents 7 min read

Should i take the tmdsas or amcas path.

If you are applying to join the 20 or so medical, dentistry or veterinary school in Texas (listed below), then you have to go the TMDSAS way. These schools strictly accept students through TMDSAS which means, that is your only option.

The TMDSAS application process has its own rules and regulations . Many, but not all, medical, dental, and veterinary schools in Texas use TMDSAS, and we will have a look at the participating schools next, but it is up you to know which institutions do and do not use this application system.

What are the Participating Universities?

The participating medical schools are:

What is the application fee?

As for the information regarding the payment information, the application fee is a non-refundable, flat fee of $200.00. They only accept credit card payments and warn that TMDSAS does not grant application fee waivers.

Looking for more help with your application? Check out these tips for your TMDSAS personal statement:

What is this Optional Essay?

The TMDSAS essays guide website has all the information you may need regarding all essays that need to be submitted.

There is one optional essay that applies to all participants, regardless of the school they are applying to. This essay offers you an opportunity to provide the admissions committee with a broader picture of who you are as an applicant. The essay is optional; however, you are strongly advised to take advantage of this opportunity.

Optional Essay Prompt – briefly discuss any unique circumstances or life experiences that are relevant to your application, which have not previously been presented. Optional Essay is limited to 2500 characters, including spaces.

There are 4 things to remember about essays:

The best way to avoid formatting issues is by typing your essays directly into the TMDSAS application instead of copying and pasting them from word processing applications. Also, copying formatted text into the application may result in issues that can\u2019t be edited once the application has been submitted. "}]">

TMDSAS Optional Essay Examples

Tmdsas optional essay example 1:.

I arrived here as a refugee from Guatemala carrying the dream of becoming a doctor with me.

I grew up in a neighborhood where gang warfare is rife. A day would start with us kids kicking a ball around, skipping rope, and just running about. Without warning, we would be running for our homes screaming and terrified as guns blared and bullets were sprayed.

One day, in the mid of a gang firefight, I saw my friend get shot by a stray bullet. As I came running out to help him I noticed no one was coming to help us. I held him and although he was unresponsive, I knew he was passing away.

I never forgot that day and my friend stayed in my heart and mind to this day.

When we realized there was going to be no reprieve from the daily shootouts we decided to leave the country and head to America.

Once the decision was made, it wasn’t long before we slipped out into the night, got into a truck that we were sharing with two other families, and headed to the border. It would be a difficult journey from then on. There were jungles, rivers, and deserts to cross. We would be hungry, and thirsty, and some people would die on that voyage. I can still remember it all.

Three months later, we had crossed into Texas and had started life in Houston living as illegal immigrants in a one-bedroom apartment.

I graduated from high school with a full 4.0 GPA and went on to study Biology and also graduated with a full 4.0 GPA.

But, all this time, I never forgot my friend who died in my arms and how helpless I felt.

I have been asked what inspired me to work hard in high school and continue to do so through college. The answer was simple: I promised to never feel so helpless again in case of an emergency – whether or not it was someone I knew– needed medical attention. I wanted to become a doctor.

And even at a young age, I knew that it would be tough to become a doctor and made it my one goal in life to study as hard as I could until I achieved my dream.

I didn’t let anything get in my way. The fact that we were called DACA kids didn’t make me feel any less of a student. The fact that I had to work two shifts all through college didn’t deter me from squeezing every single minute of the remaining time to study hard. I found strength in aiming for that one target: a medical degree.

That day, when my friend was shot, gave birth to my dreams of saving lives. And that dream - it crossed borders, it grew up with me, and it led me to this very application. (2450 characters)

I have never dreamt I would pursue a career in medicine. As a child, whenever I was asked what I wanted to become when I grew up, my career of choice depended on the last movie I had seen or one that involved action figures – becoming a fireman, a police officer, or a soldier.

Growing up, and being on the skinny side, I realized I didn’t want to become one of those professions. The reason was mainly that I was too lazy to even think of bulking up or undergoing physical training and maintaining the fitness they needed. I also realized that jobs came with plenty of risks and even death.

Well, especially, death – neither mine nor that of another human’s.

Thoughts like this made me realize that I wouldn’t be able to help people in dangerous and explosive situations. But, I did realize that I could save people through medicine.

This realization made me work hard in school. I knew if I wanted to become a doctor, I needed to know more than just what was needed to pass my exams.

And yet, what sealed my belief in my wanting to become a doctor was what happened one night when my younger brother, who had a bad cold suddenly woke up coughing and gasping for breath. We shared a bedroom and his panicked gasps and writhing while he sat in bed staring big-eyed was something that will remain with me forever.

Although he was 10 and I was only 3 years older than him, I didn’t panic. It just felt like I knew what I was supposed to do.

I got out of bed, went behind him, and without hesitating, simply performed the Heimlich maneuver. It wasn’t something I had ever done before. I had seen it in first aid class in school, in a movie or two, and books.

After two or three heaves, the phlegm cleared from his throat and he slumped with relief against me as the air rushed back into his lungs.

That shared experience (our parents didn’t hear about it until years later), apart from bringing my brother and I closer, made me realize there was no greater joy than being able to help someone in need.

I joined every first aid class, started watching documentaries about biology, and just immersed myself in learning what it takes to become a doctor.

Today, I know that I am a doctor at heart. I just need the education to become one in real life. (2233 characters)

Check out this video for more tips about your TMDSAS optional essay:

Care to take when writing the TMDSAS Optional Essay

Here are some points to consider when it comes to writing your TMDSAS optional essay example:

1.   Although it is optional, don’t opt out

Don’t be fooled by the “optional” part of the essay. The US medical school acceptance rates are an indication that it isn’t easy to get a medical degree.

The optional essay is one of the tools that help you get a foot in the door. It is a way for the admissions committee to see whether you are a good fit for the medical profession as well as the schools you are applying to.

2.   Take your time – but start early

Although it might seem like a small project, writing an essay of any type – be it a TMDSAS Personal Statement or an optional essay – you need to give it your full attention and write it with care.

Also, don’t wait until the last minute before you complete the essay. You need to take time to read, and re-read it a few times before you decide it is the final draft.

If you find it a challenge, you will also have the time to work with a medical school admissions consultant to get help, not just with your essays, but the entire application process.

3.   Read the prompt – write for the prompt

Be careful with the prompt, always read it and make sure the essay addresses the question or request. Keep modifying it as needed to ensure it covers the topic fully.

4.   Spell check and grammar check

Although the gist of your essay matters a lot, it isn’t the only thing you should focus on. An important thing to do is make sure you have spell-checked your essay and that the grammar is correct.

Even when English isn’t your first language, you can use various tools. There are various AI tools you can use to make it as perfect as can be.

5.   Stick to the Instructions

The TMDSAS optional essay asks that you shouldn’t exceed 2,500 characters (with space). Of course, you can write an essay with a lower number of characters, but as a rule of thumb , do not cross the 10% margin (about 2,250 characters).

The TDMSAS optional essay example we have seen will help give you an idea about what you need to do when you apply to any of the participating medical schools in Texas. The main point to take from this article is that you shouldn’t skip it, you need to answer the prompt, and follow the instructions to the letter (or space).

The medical school acceptance rates by major hovers at around 47%. Physical Sciences majors have a higher chance of being accepted than Biological Science and Social Sciences.

The prompt asks what personal journey led you to apply for medical school. It is your chance to explain what your journey was like, what made you decide medicine was for you, and any obstacles you had to overcome to get to where you are today.

Open up about your dreams, your aspirations, and your passions. Avoid controversial topics and dramatic stories. You want to reach out to the admissions officers, not turn them off of your application.

You can touch on your special skill sets, personal achievements, and educational or professional milestones.

You can only submit one application per cycle, and select as many schools as you would like to apply to with one application. You cannot submit multiple applications.

If you had applied the previous year, then you do not need to create a new account. The account that you had is still available for you to use again. Although most of the information you had previously uploaded will be available and usable, you will also need to update some of it. For example, you will need to update your photo, essays, Photo, letters of evaluation, proof of residency, and more. More information can be found on the TMDSAS applicant history page .

Not all schools or programs that use TMDSAS will consider international applicants. Some will only review and consider applicants who are U.S. citizens or legal Permanent Residents. As well, whether or not you are a resident of the state of Texas will impact your application's consideration and the medical school tuition you will pay if accepted.

There are over 20 Texas medical schools that will only accept applicants through TMDSAS. These schools do not see them on AMCAS – except for Baylor – and this means this is your only chance of getting in. Therefore, if you’re looking to join one of these schools, you will need to go through TMDSAS.

Although the essay is “optional” you really shouldn’t consider skipping it. This essay allows you to address any issues that have not previously been able to include in your application so far. Therefore, use the unique opportunity to provide the review committee with a more complete picture of who you are and what you can bring to the medical program of your choice.

TMDSAS administers a matching process for facilitating the acceptance of medical applicants who are Texas residents. The TMDSAS Match is done to confirm the pre-match offers that some applicants may be holding and fill the remaining open slots for the medical schools. The TMDSAS matching process takes place on March 4th at 8 a.m. CST. Essentially, the TMDSAS Match is conducted to confirm the pre-match offers that some applicants may be holding and fill the remaining open slots for the medical schools.

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I was just accepted into Princeton University after the repeal of affirmative action. As a person of color, I'm feeling conflicted.

• I'm a person of color who was just accepted into Princeton after the repeal of affirmative action.
• When applying, I made sure to prove I was a person, not just a grade. 
• I'm happy I got in, but I can't stop thinking about the other POC who weren't so lucky.

The college admissions process is a game. Unlike other games, though, you don't necessarily have the chance to fail, to practice, to test-drive, or to get good; you just have to win. You just have to play the game that has been impending since you set foot in high school.

I played the game. As a recently accepted student to Princeton University, it might've been the best I ever played.

But I had to because I was in the first class to apply to college post-affirmative action . As a person of color, I was the guinea pig round of the increasingly unpredictable admissions process. I wondered what would merit admission, how I could talk about my experiences, and what the "holistic" application took into account.

Luckily, I gained admission to my dream school , but I can't help but think about the other disadvantaged peers who didn't.

I tried to show the admissions officers I'm a person — not a score

I went test-optional. I didn't want to be quantifiable. Even though I am number one in my class, have a high GPA, and took 21 AP courses throughout high school, removing the SAT put a larger weight on my essays.

I figured it would be harder to reject a person than a number, so I gave them a person. I spent my essays talking about ideas I was passionate about and went in depth about my activities and why I did them. The "why" was a large part of my application — from my involvement in local and national journalism to my work at a local farm.

Related stories

I took any chance I had to write in the margins of the application, describing my circumstances, from the small notes about being in the first generation of my family to attend college in the US to how being a low-income student prevented me from acquiring specialized academic tools. The additional information section was my solace. I didn't pay for a single summer program, extracurricular, or club. Everything I did, I wanted to do — and a good measure of that is my hope to continue many of my high school activities in college.

Of course, I had always been doing these activities, but after the repeal of affirmative action, intentionally emphasizing them was one way I felt I could add dimension to myself. I wanted to show the admissions office that I was an actual person with actual interests beyond school.

But I have bittersweet feelings about getting into an Ivy League school

I'd be lying if I said the feeling after getting into Princeton was all sunshine and roses. I often think about other students like myself, who struggled to share their circumstances or lost a spot after affirmative action. Somehow, I survived the game when others didn't.

But the truth is I didn't have to beat out other poor kids, other POCs, or other minorities. I had to beat the majority. My competition was never the people from my background or tax bracket . I had to beat out the system that went against me, the larger injustice — even though some of my peers couldn't.

I remind myself I didn't steal anyone's spot, and the bittersweet feeling associated with getting in is actually a good thing. It means I still have my humanity in a world where "climbing the ladder" is the norm. But also, it means I survived; I didn't succumb. I played the game instead of taking the back door, which was offered to many affluent students and legacy applicants . For that, I am glad.

Ironically, this same feeling was verbalized best by playwright Finegan Kruckemeyer, whom I wrote about in my Princeton essay, when he says:

"This was a good thing, this was a bad. Of this, I feel guilty; of this, I feel glad…Some things I can change and some I can't fix. I'm alone, but as well, I'm part of a mix."

I do think I belong among the Ivy League mix, but like any good thing, I also feel like I have to answer for the flawed system.

Watch: Rikers Island is one of the world's most notorious jails — here's what it's actually like

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[MISSION 2024] Insights SECURE : Daily UPSC Mains Answer Writing Practice: 10 April 2024

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How to Follow Secure Initiative?

How to self-evaluate your answer , mission – 2023: yearlong timetable, join ipm 4.0 to get an assured review of 2 secure answers everyday, general studies – 1.

Topic: Salient features of world’s physical geography.

1. By recognizing and addressing the gendered dimensions of climate change and empowering women, societies can harness the full potential of all individuals to build a more sustainable and resilient future. Explain. (250 words).

Difficulty level: Tough

Reference: The Hindu

Why the question: While climate action requires 100% involvement of the population, at the same time, empowering women would mean better climate solutions Key Demand of the question: To write about the role empowered women can play in finding better climate solutions.  Directive word:  Explain – Clarify the topic by giving a detailed account as to how and why it occurred, or what is the context. You must be defining key terms wherever appropriate and substantiate with relevant associated facts . Structure of the answer: Introduction:  Start by giving context.  Body: First, write about the disproportionate impact of climate change on women. Next, write about the role empowered women can play in this regard – role in sustainable development, their knowledge and innovation potential, and the benefits of addressing reproductive rights and economic empowerment. Conclusion: Conclude by writing a way forward.

General Studies – 2

Topic: Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, and Human Resources.

2.  India has one of the highest burdens of Tuberculosis (TB) globally, and ensuring an adequate supply of quality-assured drugs is crucial for effective treatment. Examine the major impediments to ending TB in India.  (250 words)

Difficulty level: Moderate

Reference: The Hindu ,  Insights on India

Why the question: With less than two years left to achieve the ambitious goal set by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2018 to “eliminate” TB in India, the pharmacy of the Global South is once again struggling to treat patients with drug-sensitive TB. Key Demand of the question: To write about the challenges posed by TB and ways to end it. Directive word:  Discuss – This is an all-encompassing directive – you must debate on paper by going through the details of the issues concerned by examining each one of them. You must give reasons for both for and against arguments. Structure of the answer: Introduction:  Begin by giving statistic highlighting the incidence and impact of TB in India. Body: First, write about the various measures taken and progress made in fight against TB in India. Next, write about the shortcomings of the above with a special emphasis on drug shortage and other major challenges in India’s fight against TB. Next, write about the possible solutions to the above issue to end TB in India – improving awareness, strengthening healthcare infrastructure, expanding access to diagnostics and treatment, targeting high-risk populations, and promoting research and innovation etc. Conclusion: Conclude by writing a way forward.

General Studies – 3

Topic: Science and Technology- developments and their applications and effects in everyday life.

3. The discovery of the Higgs boson was a significant milestone in the field of particle physics and had several profound impacts on our understanding of the universe. Comment. (250 words)

Why the question: Nobel prize-winning physicist Peter Higgs, who proposed the existence of the so-called ”God particle” that helped explain how matter formed after the Big Bang, has died at age 94. Key Demand of the question: To write about the importance of discovery of Higgs boson. Directive word:  Comment – here we must express our knowledge and understanding of the issue and form an overall opinion thereupon. Structure of the answer: Introduction:  Begin by giving context of Higgs-Boson. Body: Write about the importance of the discovery of Higgs-Boson – confirmed the existence of the Higgs field and its mechanism for giving mass to particles, completing the Standard Model of particle physics, deepened our understanding of mass generation, provided insights into the early universe, and opened avenues for exploring new physics beyond the Standard Model. Conclusion: Conclude by summarising.

4. Assess the significance and challenges of harnessing tidal energy as a renewable source of power in India. (250 words)

Reference: Down to Earth

Why the question : The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 3 and mentioned as part of Mission-2024 Secure timetable. Key Demand of the question: To assess the significance and challenges of tidal energy, and to discuss the steps taken by MNRE in this regard. Directive word:  Assess – When asked to assess, you must consider the strengths and weaknesses of an argument and come to a conclusion after weighing the evidence. Structure of the answer: Introduction:  Introduce the concept of tidal energy. Body: First, discuss the Significance of Tidal Energy – explain the advantages of tidal energy, including its predictability, low environmental impact, and potential to contribute to India’s renewable energy goals. Next, analyse the challenges associated with harnessing tidal energy, such as technological limitations, high upfront costs, environmental concerns, and site-specific requirements. Next, provide an overview of the steps taken by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) to assess tidal energy potential in India, including the establishment of pilot projects and research initiatives. Conclusion: Conclude by writing a way forward to overcome above mentioned challenges.

Topic: Achievements of Indians in science & technology; indigenization of technology and developing new technology.

5. While 5G technology offers numerous benefits, the cost of upgrading infrastructure and acquiring new devices compatible with 5G can be prohibitive for consumers and businesses, especially in a country like India where affordability is a significant concern. Discuss. (250 words)

Difficulty level: Easy

Why the question:  The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 3 and mentioned as part of Mission-2024 Secure timetable. Key Demand of the question: To understand the potential of 5G technology and how India could harness it. Directive word:  Discuss – This is an all-encompassing directive – you must debate on paper by going through the details of the issues concerned by examining each one of them. You must give reasons for both for and against arguments. Structure of the answer: Introduction:  Begin by stating details of 5G network and its frequency range. Body: First, mention the various potential benefits of 5G technology such as faster access to critical services, building smart cities, developing competitiveness with other nations in service delivery standards etc. Next, discuss the challenges to roll out 5G such as high cost of installation, public apprehension regarding safety, need for a robust policy and Centre-state coordination etc. Conclusion: Conclude by stating that more and more discussions and quick action is the need of the hour for India to quickly harness the potential of 5G technology.

General Studies – 4

Topic: Attitude: content, structure, function; its influence and relation with thought and behaviour;

6. What do you understand by altruism? Discuss. (150 words)

Reference: plato.stanford.edu

Why the question: The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 4. Directive: Discuss – This is an all-encompassing directive – you must debate on paper by going through the details of the issues concerned by examining each one of them. You must give reasons for both for and against arguments. Structure of the answer: Introduction:  Define altruism. Body: Elaborate, Everyday life is filled with small acts of altruism, from holding the door for strangers to giving money to people in need. News stories often focus on grander cases of altruism, such as a man who dives into an icy river to rescue a drowning stranger or a donor who gives thousands of dollars to a local charity. Conclusion: Summarise by highlighting the importance of altruism in present day and the need to use it for positive outcomes.

Topic: moral and political attitudes.

7. What do you understand by public morality? Explain with examples. (150 words)

Why the question: The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 4. Directive word:  Explain – Clarify the topic by giving a detailed account as to how and why it occurred, or what is the context. You must be defining key terms wherever appropriate and substantiate with relevant associated facts. Structure of the answer: Introduction:  Give a simple elaboration on the concept of public morality. Body: Write about aspects such as what is accepted within the realms of public morality, is it static and indestructible by quoting few examples. Influence of public morality on legislations and the changes with time such as legalisation of same-sex marriage etc. Conclusion: Conclude by stating that society evolves with time and thus the public morality also takes its shape, however certain historically sustainable values must be preserved as well.

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