Should I write a college essay if it's not required?

The answer, in short, is yes. You will not be penalized for not writing these college essays. However, if you have something meaningful or worthwhile to talk about, you should absolutely write the optional essay. Doing so will add more dimension to your application and further demonstrate your strong writing abilities.

What if a college does not require an essay?

When schools don't require an application essay, they will likely look more closely at your grades in classes that are more writing-intensive, to make sure that your writing skills are up to par. Get great recommendations. Make sure that your recommendations are coming from the best possible people for you.

Should I submit my Common App essay to colleges that don t require it?

Even if a college does NOT require the Personal Essay, you may opt to submit it to that college. You are allowed unlimited edits to the essay after your first application submission.

Is it mandatory to write a college essay?

Most selective colleges require you to submit an essay or personal statement as part of your application. It may sound like a chore, and it will certainly take a substantial amount of work. But it's also a unique opportunity that can make a difference at decision time.

Is it bad to not submit the personal essay?

Submitting materials when they ask you not to only shows you can't follow directions. However, if it says a personal statement is optional, it's almost always a good idea to send it—especially if it's well written, demonstrates your positive qualities, and adds something new to your application.

The Best Way to Start & End a College Essay in 2024! | Tips for Common App and Supplementals

Should I submit an optional college essay?

The essay is a great option for students who want to give a more full view of themselves than what can be seen on a transcript and application. Maybe you feel like your transcript doesn't tell your complete academic or personal story. In that case, an essay can give your application a big boost.

Can a bad essay ruin your college application?

After months or even years of working to achieve excellent test scores, strong grades, and relevant work/volunteering experiences, fatigue can get the best of people. However, a weak college application essay can severely hurt your chance of admission.

How much do college essays actually matter?

At the top 250 schools, your essays generally account for 25% of your overall application. This is only slightly behind the 30% for extracurriculars. Essays are actually ahead of the 20% for grades and coursework, 15% for test scores, and 10% for recommendations and interviews.

Can a good essay get you into college?

Essays are a critical component to earning a personal score of 2. It's both what you write about and how you write about it. (The personal score also considers your recommendations, additional information, and interview.) Strong essays can move your personal score from 3 to 2, increasing your admissions chances by 10x.

Are college essays still a thing?

Writing your college essay is one way to demonstrate your communication skills to the college you wish to attend. Reading your college essay is a way for an admissions committee to hear your voice, to learn about you through a story, and to get to gage how well you write.

Do colleges actually read your Common App essay?

Yes, admissions officers do read applications. The admission office of a particular college or university may also hire remote or in-office seasonal readers to read applications during the admissions “reading season.”

Does the Common App essay really matter?

The Common App college essay is required by most Common App schools. This personal essay plays a critical role in many institutions' admission decisions. Admissions experts' biggest tips include writing how you speak and focusing on details.

Is it bad to have a short college essay?

For the Common App, try to stay within 550-650 words, even though the given range is 250-650. Any submission shorter than 500 words will make it look as though you simply didn't care enough to give your best effort. An essay shorter than 500 words won't be long enough to truly share who you are and what matters to you.

Is it OK to have a short college essay?

Most colleges have a word limit or range for their essays, so make sure you adhere to those guidelines. A shorter essay can be impactful if it's well-written and truly conveys your message. On the other hand, a longer essay can provide more context and illustrate your experiences more vividly.

Can a college essay hurt your chances?

Curating and word-smithing a compelling essay is a key factor to getting accepted by your college of choice. If you are applying to top colleges, you do not get a pass for poor essays, you get a rejection.

Do Ivy League students use ChatGPT?

A large majority of students are already using ChatGPT for homework assignments, creating challenges around plagiarism, cheating, and learning. According to Wharton MBA Professor Christian Terwisch, ChatGPT would receive “a B or a B-” on an Ivy League MBA-level exam in operations management.

How do you make a college essay stand out?

Do admissions officers actually read essays?

To answer your question, yes, college admissions officers do read the entire application. Each application is reviewed by one or more admissions officers, and they take their time to understand every applicant's story, background, and potential.

Is it OK if my college essay is 650 words?

Do not go over the maximum word count. If there isn't a preferred word count, you should submit an essay that's under 650 words, according to the college application platform Common App, which works with over 900 colleges in the US [1]. Admissions officers are looking for well-written essays that follow directions.

Do college essays matter more than GPA?

College admissions officers and universities now use the admissions essays to differentiate similarly competitive students. This is the single best opportunity for an admissions officer to get to know you beyond your test scores, your GPA, and what other people have written on your behalf.

Is name dropping bad in college essays?

Consider your impact carefully before name dropping specific professors. This may be appropriate to include if the professor's research covers a specific academic interest of yours or if you've read a book they've published. However, steer away from browsing the school's website just to drop in a professor's name.

Is lying on a college essay illegal?

First, we will deal with the easy bit: if you knowingly employ deception (stating something on the application that you don't believe is true) in order to receive an advantage (admission to college), then that is most definitely fraud.

Should I write a sad college essay?

Avoid writing a sob story: Your essay should not be an attempt to gain sympathy from the admissions officers. Instead, it should convey important aspects of your personal growth, values, or resilience in the face of adversity.

How long should a college essay be?

College essays are usually pretty short: between 150 and 650 words. Admissions officers have to read a lot of them, after all!

Can I get into Harvard without the optional essay?

Harvard requires the submission of the personal essay with your application. We also offer an opportunity to add an additional information.