<p>will it significantly hurt my chances if i choose not to submit the optional essay on the supplement?</p>
<p>I guess it depends on how strong the rest of your application is and what major applying as. If your SAT scores, for example, are in the 25th percentile, then it would probably be in your best interest to submit the optional essay. I was admitted without submitting an optional essay. My SAT score was 1320 which is around the average at BU, I was ranked 1st in my class, and I’m a minority from Kentucky (racial & geographic diversity). The reason why I didn’t submit the optional essay is I couldn’t think of a good subject to write about. I spent an entire day trying to write that short essay, and it turned out to be pretty awful so I didn’t submit it.</p>
<p>ok thanks for the advice…I’m applying as an accounting major, I have a 30 ACT, and I’m ranked 10 in a class of about 370. I was having trouble thinking of a good topic like you…but I’m still debating whether or not to do it…the rest of my essays are solid though</p>
<p>I think you should do the optional “risk” essay if you are seriously considering Bucknell, regardless of your stats. It’s a very short essay, and an opportunity for you to tell the school a bit more about yourself. Additionally, it will show them that you were willing to put that extra bit of effort into their application.</p>
<p>Yes. I was at two different information sessions (one near my home and one at the school) and at both the admissions counselors said the optional essay is not really optional. Their opinion is if you ignore the optional essay, that tells them Bucknell is not worth your effort.</p>