<p>oh definately, it’s harvard. if they NEEDED another essay to make their decision, it wouldn’t be OPTIONAL.
nice way of saying “ok, if you MUST submit another essay, do it here… and make it worth our time”
</p>
<p>before you submit an optional essay, it must be really really worthwhile, or else they’ll be wondering, “what is this applicant trying to make up for/cover up?”</p>
<p>for “unusual circumstances” it better be something like, my house burned down, i’m a single mother of two on welfare and handicapped. not the typical story of not fitting in or learning english</p>