Does recommended mean recommended or required

zapakovex
Thu, 08 Jan 2009 07:06:37 +0000

Think of it this way.

Going to high school is required. Getting good grades is optional. Having a few good ECs is completely optional.

Just because they’ll accept your app without a certain component doesn’t mean that it will look very good for you if you don’t include it. Even when they say “completely optional, your chances won’t be affected, etc.”, they really just want to see how committed you are to the school. I guarantee that your chances WILL be affected if you don’t.