If a Personal Statement (not a "Why Us?") is described as optional, is it really optional?

elcs76
Thu, 16 Aug 2018 16:26:13 +0000

Thank you for all of your replies! It seems like there is still some confusion on if it is truly optional or not. The common data set shows Demonstrated Interest as “considered” so it doesn’t appear very important but could potentially tip the scale in her favor. Basically she chose option number one because she’d already had her common app essay complete and doesn’t feel like she necessarily needs to offer more information. However I do think it could be a good spot to show more of her writing ability while also demonstrating more interest.