<p>I know that everyone here says that “optional” really means “mandatory.”</p>
<p>However, the purpose of this essay seems to be a way for you to tell the admissions officer what it is that motivates you because there is a direct link between where you see yourself in the future and what your goals are now.</p>
<p>My question is this following: If I have already articulated my motivation or passion or what I hope to accomplish in the future or something like that in another part of the application, whether it be in the Common App essay or required short answers, would this “optional” essay be redundant, and quite frankly, a waste of time for both the admissions officer and me?</p>
<p>And before anyone brings it up, I don’t think that it shows any more commitment to Penn of one does it than if one does not do it.</p>