About the optional (and rec)

crystalknight · 10-31-2009, 06:10 PM

Hey there, I have a couple of questions about the optional section (which I should have done by now, it's my only blank left on the application).

Anyway, boiled down, my main question is what exactly the optional is for. I understand that it is for people who maybe have special circumstances or something extra that they would like to say, but I just don't really know what to put. This probably doesn't make sense, so I'll just say the two things that I was thinking of putting and maybe someone can help me determine whether or not this is a good idea.

1. In the little box for a URL, I am linking my youtube account. On this account there is a marble sorter I made for a class and numerous other short films that I've made. In my creativity essay I mention a couple of the film, but I never talk about the sorter. So now I'm thinking that in my optional section I write a little bit about each video. Is this appropriate?

2. The other option (which I may do in addition to my first) is the simple question "Why MIT?" I think that my answer would be just be redundant. I've already said that I am interested in technology and MIT already knows that it is the greatest institution for it. I suppose I could talk about that I am specifically interested in artificial intelligence, but, like I said, MIT already knows that it is great at that too.

As a side question, my math coach that was supposed to write my rec has been sick for the past week. I don't know if he was able to get in my rec or not. From what I've read, MIT is flexible with the actual date they receive the rec, but I'm wondering when it becomes too late.

Thank you for any help that you might be able to offer.

molliebatmit · 10-31-2009, 11:02 PM

I think it sounds great to write about the videos in the extra section.

But if you think the "why MIT" part would be redundant, then don't put it in -- the optional section really is totally optional, and you don't get bonus points merely for filling it in.

As for the rec, if it's a week or two late, that won't be a problem. The mail won't all be opened and processed until mid- to late November.