Should I upload an essay to an essay-optional school?

Applying to College
1

I’m applying to DePaul early action. My ACT score puts me well above the 75th percentile, and I have a fairly good GPA (maybe 3.7 unweighted), so I’m not all that worried about getting in. DePaul is lists themselves as essay optional on the common app.

I took an essay writing class over the summer and received a book with college essay tips. In the book they interviewed several college admissions officers, including DePaul’s. DePaul seemed particularly apathetic about the college essay. It sounds like they barely read it.

I have an essay ready that I really like and my summer teacher really liked. However, my current English teacher wasn’t a fan (granted, all of his example essays he passed out to us in class were very structured, five paragraph essays with clear theses and conclusions, while mine was very whimsical and off-beat), so I worry about sending it in. DePaul’s is my closest deadle (Nov 15), but my school requires that I send in my application one month in advance to guarantee that my transcripts and what not will get there on time.

So my question is: Should I apply without an essay or with my apparently-mediocre essay? Or should I rush to try to perfect it? Will the essay affect my scholarship consideration and admission into the honors program?

2

Bump .-.

3

If you feel confident that it reflects your personality and you like it, I’d include it. I am not an admissions officer but I think that if you make the extra effort, that will be noted. Why not go beyond the bare minimum if you’re serious about this school?

4

Send it. :slight_smile:
English teachers’ criteria are NOT college adcoms’ criteria.
In addition, since DePaul is your safety, it can’t hurt you (they’ll mostly look at scores/GPA and see you meet their criteria but a good essay could help with scholarships) as long as you’ve expressed interest.
You should have another safety though, just in case, so that you have choices in the Spring.

5

Thank you! @mamaedefamilia @MYOS1634

I do have two more safeties, but their deadlines aren’t until December :slight_smile:

6

I’d include it for sure.

7

Definitely submit it! It looks like you’re more enthusiastic and interested in the school.

8

Only upload the essay if you want to be accepted!