An optional essay is always “optional,” so if you have the opportunity to showcase yourself further on your application — DO IT! It can be a valuable and additive component to your application; however, you must use it to your advantage in the right way.
Many optional essays are open-ended, asking you to include anything additional that you believe the admissions committee should know about you. Some ask specific questions that, if relevant to you, should be addressed. For example, you may be asked about your relocation plan if you are choosing a part-time MBA that is far from where you live currently. If it applies to you, then answer it. In these cases, the optional essay is really only “semi” optional.
In general, keep the following in mind when approaching the optional essay, especially for open-ended cases:
Explain Gaps or Weaknesses
One of the best uses of the optional essay is to explain anything you perceive as a gap in your application. Perhaps you did not have time for extracurriculars because you had to work two jobs to support your way through school. Or your overall undergrad GPA was low because you were going through a difficult time with a family matter. Or there is a gap in your work experience because you had to go on medical leave. Whatever the “weakness,” it’s best that you address it head-on, explaining the circumstances – and ideally, also explaining how you overcame it or highlighting great ways that “cancel” it out (for example, while you may have had a low GPA in college, you have been recognized as the best employee at your company). It’s better to provide the admissions committee with the facts than to leave them guessing and assuming the worst.
Dos and Don'ts
DO keep it short. Remember, admissions officers have to read applications from thousands of applicants. Do them a favor and get straight to the point. If you are able to explain the gaps in your application in a matter of a few sentences, don’t feel the need to stretch it out to a few paragraphs. The Adcom will appreciate your brevity.
DON’T lead with emotion. This isn’t an opportunity to blame your shortcomings on others or play the victim. Even if you are discussing a challenge you went through, always try to be pragmatic. Tell the Adcom the reasons for your application weakness, focus on what you learned, and explain how the experience has prepared you for the future. Take ownership for your actions and try not to focus on how you feel. Even worse, never try to convince the admissions committee how they should feel. Tell them what happened and let them decide.
DO keep the reader’s perception in mind. Before you submit your application, run your optional essay by several people to get a feel for how your explanation of your weaknesses comes across. Unfortunately, if an optional essay doesn’t properly mitigate a weakness, it tends to accentuate it. Some applicants jeopardize their candidacy by offering reasons for the gaps in the application without properly explaining how they have overcome their shortcomings.
Include New / Additional Positive information
It’s a mistake to waste the optional essay on anything redundant with the rest of your application. The optional essay should provide new information that would “complete” your picture or be cohesive with the rest of your application. If you do not have to address any weaknesses, then the optional essay is a great opportunity for you to highlight some strengths – strengths that were not addressed in other parts of the application, of course. For example, perhaps you helped a friend cope with depression, being there for them consistently, showing a true testament to your dedication, compassion, and loyalty. In an example like this, make sure to include specifics around how you helped them as well as the “triumphs” that resulted, such as how your friend succeeded in something otherwise seemingly impossible because of your dedication. You can use the optional essay to explain different positive qualities about you that mesh with the “brand” you’ve built in the rest of your application.
Dos and Don'ts
DO use this as an opportunity to paint a full picture of who you are. If your application focuses heavily on one aspect of your life (i.e. professional), tell the admissions committee a little more about who you are outside of the office. Discuss a club, team, or extracurricular you are a part of and how it has shaped you as a person.
DO evaluate the rest of your application and make sure this material can’t be shared elsewhere. The optional essay should be used specifically for information relevant to your application that you haven’t found the opportunity to mention in your resume or other essays.
DON’T write about a strength or attempt to round out your candidacy with the optional essay if the application states it should only be used for extenuating circumstances. Some schools don’t leave this portion of the application open ended, so pay attention and follow the instructions.
DON’T use your optional essay to share an accomplishment or strength if you have weaknesses in your application. The optional essay should always be used to address gaps in your application, when applicable.
Finally, note that none of the above are mutually exclusive.
Be sure to use the optional essay to strengthen your candidacy by sharing information you were unable to share in other areas of your application. Make note of the topics you’d like to cover and you will likely be able to find a way to string them together in the optional essay, even if there is a prompt or specific weakness you are obligated to address.
For example, while the optional essay may have a specific question attached to it that is relevant to you, more likely than not, there will also be the opportunity for you to address gaps and/or include new positive information.
Above all, be thoughtful with how you use this portion of the application. Be succinct, honest, and make sure the information you share is relevant to you candidacy.