The essay is optional, but it can only help your application packet (assuming it's well written!). Taking the time to complete an optional portion of the application shows a deep level of commitment. If the Admissions folks know who you are and know that you really want to go to VMI--and that you're dedicated to the process--they can cut you a little slack if you don't have the highest GPA or test scores when compared to other applicants who don't show the same level of heart.
I wrote my essay in the form of a narrative. I imagined what I might be thinking as I walked through the arch for the last time on graduation day. I wrote about the intangible skills I hoped to gain from the Ratline and the VMI experience as a whole from the perspective I imagined I'd have as an Alumna.
The admissions officer I worked with never even mentioned my essay to me, but I did go back and reread my essay on a couple of particularly low days in the Ratline. My hard drive crashed, so I no longer have the essay, but I'm pretty sure it helped me more than the admissions folks.
That said, don't overdo it. I'm must admit that I'm slightly embarrassed now to say that I wrote three different essays before finally deciding to submit the third one.
I was pretty much consumed by my determination to earn my appointment to VMI. The result was that I received a personal phone call from my admissions officer to let me know I'd be receiving the provisional appointment in the mail sometime within the next two weeks, but I definitely could have enjoyed my senior year a lot more had I not been spazzing out over getting accepted.
I hope this helps. Let me know if there's anything I can do to help if you choose to write the essay!
Good luck,
Jackie M. Briski '09
First Class PVT (Ret.)
