<p>So, the optional essay should be 1-2 paragraphs long, ideally. But while I’m usually loath to disregard sensible advice, I really can’t keep my essay under 2 paragraphs as I simply have too much to say.</p>
<p>Would it be terribly annoying for the admissions people if my response was longer?</p>
<p>I don’t think the admissions people will be terribly annoyed if the essay is slightly longer, as long as your additional paragraph(s) are truly concise and add something significant to your essay. With the optional essay, the admissions people just want to learn a little more about you that isn’t expressed in the rest of the application.</p>
<p>I think a better question would be, “Would it be terribly annoying to the admissions office if * everyone’s * response were longer?”</p>
<p>The answer, of course, is yes. And you can bet a lot of people will go way over the recommended length and some of them will annoy the officers quite a lot. I suggest only going over if it’s absolutely necessary and it’s not by much. Definitely don’t leave out anything that’s very important to you, but don’t ramble and disregard their advice.</p>
<p>You’ll impress them more by showing your ability to comply with basic instructions than with whatever you write, anyway. 
Good writing is common among high school seniors but the ability to follow directions is not. I for one am not going the slightest bit over on anything unless it’s for a few words and I cannot cut it down further.</p>