highwyre237 wrote:
Well thats my question I guess, and I keep receiving contrasting opinions. Should optional essays be viewed as an opportunity to solely explain weaknesses in your resume/gpa/gmat OR in addition, should it also be used as another essay to reflect on your past experiences and growth from those situations...
If the latter, then isn't this an unfair advantage to those of us who need to write an optional essay? In a sense, we have another chance to complete an entirely new essay...
It is very probable that I am over thinking this... I know
Most schools I applied to last year and what I've seen this year explicitly tell you not to do the latter. This is taken from Fuqua's website but many other school have similar statements.
Quote:
If you feel there are extenuating circumstances of which the admissions committee should be aware, please explain them here (e.g. unexplained gaps in work, choice of recommenders, inconsistent or questionable academic performance, significant weakness in your application). Note that you should NOT upload additional essays nor additional recommendations in this area. The Optional Essay is intended to provide the admissions committee with insight into your extenuating circumstances only.
To me that is pretty clear that you aren't supposed to use this as a clever excuse to write an additional essay about how great you are. It is supposed to just explain any discrepancy or issue and end it there.