When applying to top MBA programs, you’ll likely encounter an “optional essay” as part of the application process. It can be tempting to skip this essay, especially if you feel your application is already strong. But should you? The answer isn’t one-size-fits-all—it depends on your circumstances and the specific guidance provided by each school. Let’s explore when and how to approach the optional essay, with insights into how different top programs handle it.
Understanding the Purpose of the Optional Essay
The optional essay is exactly what it sounds like—optional. Schools include it as a way to provide applicants with an opportunity to address any concerns or highlight aspects of their candidacy that weren’t covered elsewhere in the application. However, that doesn’t mean you should automatically write one. It’s not a good look to burden the admissions committee with unnecessary essays, so it’s crucial to be strategic about using this space.
Addressing Red Flags
One of the most common uses of the optional essay is to address potential red flags in your application. These could include gaps in employment, a low GPA or GMAT score, or an unusual career path. Harvard Business School (HBS) and Columbia Business School (CBS) explicitly encourage applicants to use the optional essay for this purpose. If you have a legitimate concern about a situation that might raise questions for the admissions committee, it’s worth addressing it here, explaining the context, and demonstrating how you’ve grown from the experience.
For example, if your undergraduate GPA is lower than the average accepted at HBS, use the optional essay to explain any extenuating circumstances, such as a personal challenge you faced during that time. Importantly, frame your explanation in a positive light, showing how you overcame the challenge and how it has shaped your resilience and determination.
Highlighting Additional Strengths
Some MBA programs, such as Northwestern Kellogg and UVA Darden, leave the optional essay more open-ended. They provide you with the chance to share additional information that could strengthen your application. If you have a significant accomplishment, a passion, or a unique aspect of your background that wasn’t captured elsewhere in your application, this is the place to highlight it.
For example, if you’ve been deeply involved in a community project or have a side business that showcases your entrepreneurial spirit, you can use the optional essay to dive deeper into these aspects. However, it’s essential to ensure that the content is truly additive and that you’re not just repeating information already included in your application.
When to Skip the Optional Essay
Not every applicant needs to write the optional essay. If your application is strong, with no significant gaps or concerns, and you’ve effectively conveyed your story through the required essays, it may be best to leave this section blank. Some MBA programs, such as Wharton, suggest that you should only write the optional essay if you have something substantial to add. Writing an unnecessary essay can clutter your application and might even dilute the impact of your main essays.
Tailoring Your Approach to Each School
It’s important to remember that each MBA program has its own philosophy and guidelines regarding the optional essay. Be sure to read the instructions carefully and tailor your approach to each school. For instance, MIT Sloan specifically advises applicants to use the optional essay to address any potential issues or to elaborate on aspects of their application, but they also caution against using it as an additional personal statement.
Deciding whether to write the optional essay in your MBA application requires careful consideration. Use it strategically to address any red flags or to highlight unique strengths that weren’t covered elsewhere in your application. But if you’re confident that your application is complete and cohesive without it, it might be best to skip it. Remember, admissions committees value quality over quantity, so make sure that if you do write the optional essay, it adds meaningful value to your candidacy.
By understanding the nuances of the optional essay at each program, you can make an informed decision that enhances your overall application and increases your chances of acceptance at a top MBA program.
If you’re looking for professional support as you navigate the MBA admissions journey, reach out to one of the counselors here at Stratus for a free 30-minute consultation to discuss your profile, narrative, or even that seemingly ambiguous optional essay!