Write optional essay?

[jplats]

Hello,

I am in the process of completing the application for Tuck, and contemplating whether to do the fifth optional essay. I have a professional hobby I could write about that I think would bring value to my application. My only hesitation is that Tuck specifically calls out its optional essay as an opportunity to explain negatives, i.e., poor grades or GMAT score, unexplained gaps in employment, etc. This being the case, am I better off submitting the optional essay about this professional hobby, or not submitting one at all?

Thanks in advance for your advice!

[Lisa Anderson]

Dear jplats,

If you do not need to address a weakness in your application as specified, then do not write the optional essay. When schools specify a topic for the optional essay, then they do not want you submitting another random essay that is different from the topic suggested. Perhaps you can work your hobby into your interview or another essay?

Good luck,
Lisa