Many secondaries seem to have an optional hardship/ additional information essay. Does it look bad for not completing these? I dont really have any extraordinary circumstances that would make for an interesting read...
It probably looks worse to stretch something into a hardship for the essay that really isn't a hardship. If you don't feel like you had any extenuating circumstances growing up that you want adcoms to know about, leave it blank.
What about offering insight into why you would like to go there if it is not previously asked? SLU and Tufts don't really have any other real essay prompts so I feel there isn't any other real way to further make your secondary stand out. I feel like that could be considered ok if well done. Opinions?