-If an essay prompt applies to you, ignore the “optional” designation—it’s in your best interest to respond if you have something relevant to say;
-Consider whether an explanation statement that’s not required actually adds something to the application package or is simply turning the focus on a negative but relatively minor point;
-Make sure you understand the question and what the school is looking for before you begin to write;
-Think about how your whole application package fits together, and make sure that your optional essays complement your personal statement and recommendations;
-Take time to brainstorm and write without worrying about the final product before settling on a focus or approach for each essay;
-Check out the rejects from your personal statement brainstorming session—you may find that you already have a topic ready for one or more of your optional essays or addenda;
-Keep explanation statements to about half a page and other optional essays to about one double-spaced page;
-Clearly label everything in your application package;
-Start explanation statements with a clear and concise statement of the facts;
-Start all other optional essays with a strong intro/hook: even if you’re answering a specific question, you need to catch the reader’s attention up front;
-Take the same care you would with your personal statement or any other piece of your application—if you undertake to do it, do it right;
-Get input from an outsider; someone who isn’t too close to you makes the best reader.
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will a better score change the scholarship i get from a school?
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