<p>is it really important to submit the optional essay with my application??
if i dont do it will it hurt my chances of admissions??</p>
<p>You’ll get some random thoughts. Were I you, I’d ask those who can give you a clear, informative answer about this at this point in time. Unless all you’re looking for are opinions.</p>
<p>the application says “Please keep in mind that Bucknell considers your answers to both questions very important because they will help you
distinguish yourself from other candidates” hinting very strongly to do it. since the admissions officers have consistantly said how important intrest is, i would just write the essay if i were you.
it’s not like it’s very long.</p>
<p>write the essay. as scutler put it, its not very long, and its important to differentiate yourself from all the other people if you can. this is like a shorter version of the personal essay on the common app. (at least it was when i wrote it).</p>