optional essay

[swhc]

hi

I have a quick question: In the optional essay, I am thinking of writing either about my volunteer activity or about what I can bring to the MBA class. I could not talk about these two anywhere else in the application.

Which one should I write about in the optional essay? What do you recommend and why?


Thanks
swhc

[Cindy Tokumitsu]

Hello,

I cannot answer that question without seeing your application as a whole, knowing your goals, and knowing what school(s) you are applying to.

For one thing, keep in mind that if you prepare an effective application, it will, as a whole, convey what you will bring to the program - even if it does not explicitly say "here is what I will bring." You application as a whole represents what you will bring. So I suggest that you review your application from this frame of reference. If you answer the essay questions most effectively, there is no way they cannot show what you will bring. The essays may not show everything you will bring - but that's OK. it's even good -- it should convey the few or several most important things.

If you have extracurricular activities that are particularly meaningful and interesting, then they may provide appropriate material for an optional, but it must be significant -- the adcom must feel like there's a good reason why they're reading extra material, not just "nice to know."

Also, some optional questions do not invite this kind of input; rather, they seek only explanations for problems such as gap in employment, low grade, etc., so review the specific questions carefully before you write such material.

Best regards,
Cindy Tokumitsu
Senior Editor, Accepted.com
www.Accepted.com

[swhc]

Thank you Cindy. That helps.