Live GMAT classes with Target Test Prep start Nov 21 and Nov 22. First class free.

See classes
Target Test Prep · GMAT

Choose how you want to prepare

Learn live with an expert or move at your own pace. Every option includes the complete TTP study system.

Newsweek Readers’ Choice Awards 2026 winner: Target Test Prep, #1 Test Prep

Target Test Prep was voted #1 Best Test Prep in the 2026 Newsweek Readers’ Choice™ Awards.

★★★★★5.0563 reviews
GMATLiveTeachStarts Nov 22
Josh Braslow, Target Test Prep GMAT expert
LIVE ONLINE CLASSES

Get Ready for GMAT Test Day Faster with Live Online Classes

with Josh Braslow, 20+ years in test prep

Nov 22 · Josh Braslow
Sun · 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM ET
Included
40 hours of live online classes + 6 months of TTP OnDemand
  • Attend the first class for free
  • Every class is recorded, so you never fall behind
View classes & enroll
Limited seats availableTarget Test Prep
EALiveTeachOnDemandStart anytime
EXECUTIVE ASSESSMENT

Target Test Prep EA OnDemand

Self-paced EA prep. Study on your schedule.

EXECUTIVE ASSESSMENT

with

165+ EA score guarantee
$05-day trial no automatic billing
Schedule
Included
40 hours of live online classes plus six months of access to the complete TTP EA OnDemand course.
  • 165+ EA Score Guarantee
  • 4,100+ Quant, Verbal, and Integrated Reasoning practice questions
  • 400+ hours of in-depth video lessons
  • 3,000+ step-by-step video solutions
View EA class & enroll Start free 5-day trial
Limited cohort · enrollment openTrial includes full course accessTarget Test Prep
GMATOnDemandStart anytime
SELF-PACED MASTERCLASS

Target Test Prep GMAT OnDemand

Complete access from day one. Study on your schedule.

715+ score guarantee
$0to start then $127/mo
  • Personalized study plan and analytics
  • Thousands of lessons and practice questions
Start free 5-day trial
Read 563 reviewsTarget Test Prep

Optional essay no longer accepted (Stanford & HBS)

Share tips as you apply, write essays, interview...
Expert replies
Post new topic Post Reply
Subscribe topic
Previous Topic Next Topic
Newbie | Next Rank: 10 Posts
Posts: 2
Joined: Wed Aug 24, 2011 10:18 am
by templar11 » Sat Aug 11, 2012 11:03 am
Hi,

I was planning to write a wonderful 400-word optional essay addressing an unemployment gap, when I noticed that Stanford and Harvard do not accept optional essays.

Both schools have a section to include additional information, but Stanford's form explicitly states "Do not include essays", and Harvard's form is limited to 500 characters.

So it seems that optional essays are no longer accepted. What would you recommend to address my unemployment gap in the application?

Thanks!
Top
Join the discussion
Source: — The Application Process |
Master | Next Rank: 500 Posts
Posts: 341
Joined: Wed Jan 11, 2012 10:55 amFollowed by: 10 members
Location: Phoenix, Arizona
Thanked: 63 times

by myEssayReview » Sat Aug 11, 2012 1:29 pm
You can definitely explain your employment gap in the 'Additional Information' section.

Please do not get intimidated by the 500 characters. B-schools are evaluating applicants for precision and brevity. Just as you are putting in all that you need to say in two 400 words Harvard essays , you can also fit in your 'additional information' (employment gap)in 500 characters.
As for Stanford, if they don't want you to include essays, don't do that. Just include your additional information about your employment gap.

I hope it helped.
If you find my post helpful, please let me know by pushing the thank button.
myEssayReview- A personalized and dedicated essay review service
https://myessayreview.com/
Email:[email protected]
Top
Join the discussion
Senior | Next Rank: 100 Posts
Posts: 34
Joined: Thu Aug 09, 2012 9:10 pmFollowed by: 1 member
Location: Bangalore

by amit_enggvnit » Sun Aug 19, 2012 9:21 pm
Hi I am also interested in Stanford GSB and recently attended the Bangalore Info Session of the school. It was a great experience and I've written about it here. Hope this helps in admissions process.

https://amitkpandeyece.blogspot.in/2012/ ... iness.html
Follow my Application Journey:
amitkpandeyece.blogspot.in
Top
Join the discussion
Newbie | Next Rank: 10 Posts
Posts: 1
Joined: Mon May 28, 2012 4:28 am

by emmanuelle8 » Sun Aug 26, 2012 2:50 am
Hi there, I'm a bit confused actually with Stanford's "additional info" part -- You're right, on the app it says "Do not include essays", but if you check the website under "essays" this is what is stated:
Additional Information
If there is any other information that is critical for us to know and is not captured elsewhere, please include it. Examples of pertinent additional information include:

Extenuating circumstances affecting academic or work performance
Explanation of why you do not have a Letter of Reference from your current direct supervisor or peer
Explanation of criminal conviction, criminal charges sustained against you in a juvenile proceeding, and/or court-supervised probation
Explanation of academic suspension or expulsion
Any other information that you did not have sufficient space to complete in another section of the application (please begin the information in the appropriate section)
Additional work experience that cannot fit into the space provided
Additional information about your academic experience (e.g., independent research) not noted elsewhere

Strange for the adcom to include this under "essays" when it shouldn't be an essay? I think maybe they are thinking that don't include random essays just adding more accomplishments, etc. if they won't adress any of the stuff above?
Top
Join the discussion
Junior | Next Rank: 30 Posts
Posts: 28
Joined: Wed May 02, 2012 10:37 am
Thanked: 1 times

by olimpic » Sun Aug 26, 2012 8:35 am
I guess they just got tired of reading so many essays, that's why they also cut the number of essays and word limits. My suggestions is to follow the rules and use the optional essay only for explaining special circumstances.
Top
Join the discussion