Optional Essays

[Schwann]

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Is it okay to leave the optional essays blank?

 

[Zoom-Zoom]

Is it okay to leave the optional essays blank?

I never had the juevos to do this... at least for schools I cared about. I'd be curious to know what the ad comm members think as well. Lizzy, you there?

 

[nick_carraway]

If you have nothing to say, don't bother. If you have something you want to get off your chest, though, there's your chance.

Sometimes optional really does mean optional.

 

[GoSpursGo]

You will look worse than someone who put something meaningful if you leave it blank. You will look like a total ass if you vomit something onto the page that is clearly just trying to fill the space. Choose between the lesser of two evils.

 

[BlueElmo]

I would write it. But I wouldn't go crazy over it.

 

[Raindrop423]

I would write it. But I wouldn't go crazy over it.

What sort of stuff do you write, though? Elaborate on some EC? Review why you want to be a doctor (although that's already in the PS, in theory)? Explain 'why that school' if that isn't already another essay? I don't want to look lazy by not writing anything, but then again I don't want to annoy them with extra crap that doesn't interest them...

 

[0Complications]

What sort of stuff do you write, though? Elaborate on some EC? Review why you want to be a doctor (although that's already in the PS, in theory)? Explain 'why that school' if that isn't already another essay? I don't want to look lazy by not writing anything, but then again I don't want to annoy them with extra crap that doesn't interest them...

I don't know if this is a good idea or not, but maybe take this space to explain the disparity between your GPA and MCAT. You could even spin the essay so that when you describe what you've learned from the experience you can also say how their school fits your new motivations, learning style, etc.

Just a thought.

 

[riceman04]

depends on the school/circumstances surrounding your application/etc...

Some schools blatantly state to not just write something to simply fill the space b/c you feel obligated

 

[amph119]

2 of my acceptances had optional essays that just said something like "is there anything else you want the committee to know?"

I used that space to describe my personality in ways that did not come out in my PS or secondary essays. That is a possibility I guess, it worked for me.

 

[LizzyM]

If it looks as if you didn't want to make an effort, or didn't care enough about the school to bother with the essay, then the school will take that as a slight.

On the other hand, something slapped together will look like you don't care or have poor writing schools.

If you are going to do it, do it well. If you aren't going to do it, why submit the secondary at all?

 

[alibai3ah]

If it looks as if you didn't want to make an effort, or didn't care enough about the school to bother with the essay, then the school will take that as a slight.

On the other hand, something slapped together will look like you don't care or have poor writing schools.

If you are going to do it, do it well. If you aren't going to do it, why submit the secondary at all?

LizzyM could these essays be used to explain any issues (ie GPA/MCAT), or would it be a terrible idea to bring attention to these holes?

 

[LizzyM]

LizzyM could these essays be used to explain any issues (ie GPA/MCAT), or would it be a terrible idea to bring attention to these holes?

For the most part, a bad grade or a bad score is like a zit. If you are on a first date, are you going to point out that huge zit on your chin? Are you going to call in advance of the date and note that you have a big zit but that the problem is that you planned poorly and ran out of clearasil? Don't mention it. Just as you would with a huge crush that you are thrilled to be going on a date with, you need to play up your positives and hope that the zit gets overlooked given the power of your charm, brains, and wit.

On the other hand, if there were extremely uncommon, external issues that contributed to a bad semster or a bad score, you might explain the circumstances. Just be sure that the time frame lines up. If you have a bad year you can't blame the sudden death of a loved one that occured at the end of that time period. (I've seen someone try.)

 

[alibai3ah]

For the most part, a bad grade or a bad score is like a zit. If you are on a first date, are you going to point out that huge zit on your chin? Are you going to call in advance of the date and note that you have a big zit but that the problem is that you planned poorly and ran out of clearasil? Don't mention it. Just as you would with a huge crush that you are thrilled to be going on a date with, you need to play up your positives and hope that the zit gets overlooked given the power of your charm, brains, and wit.

On the other hand, if there were extremely uncommon, external issues that contributed to a bad semster or a bad score, you might explain the circumstances. Just be sure that the time frame lines up. If you have a bad year you can't blame the sudden death of a loved one that occured at the end of that time period. (I've seen someone try.)

Ah I see. So it would be a terrible idea to say something like my gpa started of a bit low, but I matured, changed my study habits, and brought it up drastically (in a more eloquent way). And what I have learned from this experience? I mean I know my gpa is not something I can hide, but I figure if I can spin it into a postive, is it not worth a try?

 

[BlueElmo]

Ah I see. So it would be a terrible idea to say something like my gpa started of a bit low, but I matured, changed my study habits, and brought it up drastically (in a more eloquent way). And what I have learned from this experience? I mean I know my gpa is not something I can hide, but I figure if I can spin it into a postive, is it not worth a try?

I wouldn't really bring it up. I'm sure they can see from your AMCAS already. Don't draw attention to it. I would explain during interviews. My 2 cents.

 

[LizzyM]

Ah I see. So it would be a terrible idea to say something like my gpa started of a bit low, but I matured, changed my study habits, and brought it up drastically (in a more eloquent way). And what I have learned from this experience? I mean I know my gpa is not something I can hide, but I figure if I can spin it into a postive, is it not worth a try?

The adcom can see that you started low and got better. That's usually how it goes (actually it is often a J curve with the lowest gpa in the sophomore year which is most often when students take organic chemistry). Generally, the adcom assumes that you matured, learned more efficient study techniques, etc.

The thing that needs explanation is a gpa that goes from 3.8 to 2.5 and back over 3 semesters. Screeching halt! What's up with that? Horrible thing happened, distracted, too late to drop, flunked a class or two, etc. Hurricanes, fires, trauma, psychotic roommate, stalker, etc.

 

[musings]

For the prompts that ask you if you'd like to add anything to your app etc.

Is this a good place to talk about activities that you didn't have a chance to put on your primary?

I keep on getting conflicting views over whether this is the RIGHT place to put them... or if this area is more for "personality" type essays

 

[nVictus]

i didnt put anything in the optional essay part of the texas application and got interviews at all but one school. results may vary

 

[Hopefullylucky1]

I filled in the optional essays for schools that didn't have a spot to explain what I was doing with my year off, for everyone else, I left it blank (probably 4-5 in all, but I'm not positive and too lazy to dig them up). I got interviews at all of these schools...take this as you want.

 

[Jeskai3ai3e]

Hello guys.. I really need help on whether or not to write about the topic of being gay and coming out to my parents. It's the only honest, personal, and challenging topic that I think would contribue to the "diversity of the student body." .. but do you guys think it's far too risky? It could land in the hands of someone who is unaware of there negative opinions about the matter.

It's the only thing I can write about that pops in my head.. I come from a strict family (filipino dad, hispanic mom).. plus I'm the only girl out of 4 children.. so it was really hard to bring myself to it.. previously our communication was poor, and now we have great communication and I can talk to them about my personal problems.. I would have never thought that was possible before coming out. So my point of the whole thing would be improvement in communicating with others.

Help, please!!

 

[nick_carraway]

Hello guys.. I really need help on whether or not to write about the topic of being gay and coming out to my parents. It's the only honest, personal, and challenging topic that I think would contribue to the "diversity of the student body." .. but do you guys think it's far too risky? It could land in the hands of someone who is unaware of there negative opinions about the matter.

It's the only thing I can write about that pops in my head.. I come from a strict family (filipino dad, hispanic mom).. plus I'm the only girl out of 4 children.. so it was really hard to bring myself to it.. previously our communication was poor, and now we have great communication and I can talk to them about my personal problems.. I would have never thought that was possible before coming out. So my point of the whole thing would be improvement in communicating with others.

Help, please!!

At schools you're concerned about, maybe talk about your improved communication with your family based upon a "conversation about your sexuality" or an "intimate conversation" or your love life or something a bit more ambiguous. While coming out was obviously an important part of the story, you can see how discretion might be better.

Ultimately, it's a strong story and I would encourage you to write about it but maybe other posters on here can give you better advice.

 

[Jeskai3ai3e]

At schools you're concerned about, maybe talk about your improved communication with your family based upon a "conversation about your sexuality" or an "intimate conversation" or your love life or something a bit more ambiguous. While coming out was obviously an important part of the story, you can see how discretion might be better.

Ultimately, it's a strong story and I would encourage you to write about it but maybe other posters on here can give you better advice.

Yeah, I totally get what you're saying.. but I'm afraid I won't have much of a story if I leave that out.. because that's the reason it was so challenging. Thanks for the response.. If anyone else has more advice I'd really appreciate it!!

 

[Narmerguy]

Hello guys.. I really need help on whether or not to write about the topic of being gay and coming out to my parents. It's the only honest, personal, and challenging topic that I think would contribue to the "diversity of the student body." .. but do you guys think it's far too risky? It could land in the hands of someone who is unaware of there negative opinions about the matter.

It's the only thing I can write about that pops in my head.. I come from a strict family (filipino dad, hispanic mom).. plus I'm the only girl out of 4 children.. so it was really hard to bring myself to it.. previously our communication was poor, and now we have great communication and I can talk to them about my personal problems.. I would have never thought that was possible before coming out. So my point of the whole thing would be improvement in communicating with others.

Help, please!!

I wouldn't. Objective as the Adcoms are supposed to be, this confession on your part will affect them.

 

[Jeskai3ai3e]

I'm so torn on the decision. Fits the prompt well, only this is still a controversial topic.. great.

 

[nick_carraway]

I'm so torn on the decision. Fits the prompt well, only this is still a controversial topic.. great.

Ask the mods if they'll allow you to repost your issue in its own thread. I think you'll be able to get more eyes on it.

 

[medlover247]

Hi all,

I need your help! I'm wondering if I should bring up my MCAT scores in these optional essays. I re-took the MCAT and got the same overall score, 26Q (yeah it sucks real bad, went up a point in PS and down a point in Verbal!)

There isn't any explanation I can think of. I mean I studied very hard and tried my best...I was thinking about writing something about how my personal experiences and activities have taught me a lot and that I feel I am capable of being a good physician despite my MCAT scores...

I would appreciate any advice!

 

[elyswim]

Hi all,

I need your help! I'm wondering if I should bring up my MCAT scores in these optional essays. I re-took the MCAT and got the same overall score, 26Q (yeah it sucks real bad, went up a point in PS and down a point in Verbal!)

There isn't any explanation I can think of. I mean I studied very hard and tried my best...I was thinking about writing something about how my personal experiences and activities have taught me a lot and that I feel I am capable of being a good physician despite my MCAT scores...

I would appreciate any advice!

It seems the general consensus is to avoid reminding the admissions committee of low anything. Since you don't have a reason and would have nothing to say as to why you didn't do so well, i would leave it alone and hope for the best.