What do 'essay optional' colleges actually mean for my application?
I'm trying to finalize my application list and noticed that some of the colleges I'm interested in list their essays as 'optional.' Does it really mean optional, or should I still try to write and submit an essay to be on the safe side?
I'm not a super strong writer, so part of me hopes it won't hurt my chances if I skip it, but I also don't want to look like I'm not putting in enough effort. Has anybody gotten into one of these schools without doing the essay? Any advice about how much it really matters?
I feel like this is something a lot of people might wonder about, so any input would be great!
I'm not a super strong writer, so part of me hopes it won't hurt my chances if I skip it, but I also don't want to look like I'm not putting in enough effort. Has anybody gotten into one of these schools without doing the essay? Any advice about how much it really matters?
I feel like this is something a lot of people might wonder about, so any input would be great!
6 months ago
•
73 views
Caroline Benson
• 6 months ago
Advisor
When a college says their essay is 'optional,' it means you are technically not required to submit one for your application to be considered complete. However, in practice, submitting an essay is usually advisable—even if you feel nervous about your writing skills.
Submitting an optional essay shows the admissions team you’re invested in the school and willing to go the extra mile. It’s a chance to add personality and context to your academic record. If you skip the essay, there’s a risk that your application will come across as less enthusiastic or that you’re not as interested as students who did take the time to submit one.
That being said, there have been students admitted without submitting the optional essay, especially if the rest of their application is very strong (think: top academics, high test scores, impressive extracurriculars). But in competitive applicant pools, every additional positive detail you can provide counts, and the essay is a unique way to stand out beyond numbers and activities lists. For example, a friend who applied test-optional and essay-optional to a liberal arts college got waitlisted, while another friend with very similar stats who included the essay was admitted. The only big difference? The essay, which gave more insight into their interests and values.
If you're worried about being a weak writer, remember that admissions essays aren’t expecting literary masterpieces. What matters most is authenticity and giving readers a sense of who you are. Even a simple, honest essay (about a moment when you learned something important, or what excites you about college) can make a positive impression.
In summary: Optional usually means you can skip it and still be reviewed, but submitting the essay can only help and might make the difference between being accepted or not, especially at selective schools. If you really can’t submit the essay, focus on making the rest of your application shine. But if you have any capacity to write one, it’s worth the effort, even a short, sincere piece.
Submitting an optional essay shows the admissions team you’re invested in the school and willing to go the extra mile. It’s a chance to add personality and context to your academic record. If you skip the essay, there’s a risk that your application will come across as less enthusiastic or that you’re not as interested as students who did take the time to submit one.
That being said, there have been students admitted without submitting the optional essay, especially if the rest of their application is very strong (think: top academics, high test scores, impressive extracurriculars). But in competitive applicant pools, every additional positive detail you can provide counts, and the essay is a unique way to stand out beyond numbers and activities lists. For example, a friend who applied test-optional and essay-optional to a liberal arts college got waitlisted, while another friend with very similar stats who included the essay was admitted. The only big difference? The essay, which gave more insight into their interests and values.
If you're worried about being a weak writer, remember that admissions essays aren’t expecting literary masterpieces. What matters most is authenticity and giving readers a sense of who you are. Even a simple, honest essay (about a moment when you learned something important, or what excites you about college) can make a positive impression.
In summary: Optional usually means you can skip it and still be reviewed, but submitting the essay can only help and might make the difference between being accepted or not, especially at selective schools. If you really can’t submit the essay, focus on making the rest of your application shine. But if you have any capacity to write one, it’s worth the effort, even a short, sincere piece.
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Caroline Benson
Upstate New York
Columbia University (BA); American University in Cairo (MA); Middlebury College (MA)
Experience
9 years