Optional essay question

HawkeyeMom

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Dd is nearly ready to submit her 2 essays to USAFA. She needs to get them in because it is one of the last things remaining in her application to trigger the interview (she is also needing a medical waiver). However, she was wondering if she could submit the optional essay later if she submitted the 2 required essays now? Is the optional essay truly optional? or one of those items that is listed as optional but almost everyone does?

Thanks!
 
Dd is nearly ready to submit her 2 essays to USAFA. She needs to get them in because it is one of the last things remaining in her application to trigger the interview (she is also needing a medical waiver). However, she was wondering if she could submit the optional essay later if she submitted the 2 required essays now? Is the optional essay truly optional? or one of those items that is listed as optional but almost everyone does?

Thanks!
My sample size of n=1 did do the optional essay.
 
The app says once you hit submit you can not go back. Our DS elected to write the optional essay. It is another way she can show who she is.
 
Dd is nearly ready to submit her 2 essays to USAFA. She needs to get them in because it is one of the last things remaining in her application to trigger the interview (she is also needing a medical waiver). However, she was wondering if she could submit the optional essay later if she submitted the 2 required essays now? Is the optional essay truly optional? or one of those items that is listed as optional but almost everyone does?

Thanks!

My DD did the optional essay last year. The general thought is optional essays, for regular colleges and SAs, should be done.
 
DS1 (USAFA class of 2022) was told to only provide an optional essay if you are clarifying a weakness on the “resume”. DS2 (USAFA candidate 2024) was told the same thing. It was explained that extra/optional writing samples will be read if other parts of the application package is missing something (leadership, low scores etc.). Don’t over think this or worry your DD/DS into finding something to write about. If the total package is strong, it will show. Good luck!
 
Generally the optional essay is a good thing. It can be used any way you wish. It can explain a weakness, act as a personal statement, or highlight something that may be missing in the rest of the application.
 
Reported post above as spam - mods should review and vacuuum away.
 
IMO, the optional essay is the least optional of all.

Everyone's application and bubble-in-the-boxes are a variation of the same theme. District, regional, state, maybe national ranked in whatever yuou do. Everyone's got a good essay for Why service? and About a TIme I Failed. But now....you have absolute freedom to write about anything that will make your application even more 3D. Don't pass up this opportunity!
 
No such thing as "optional". This is where you set yourself apart from the field. "Everyone" has great grades, tests, sports, leadership, etc. What makes YOU a must-have for the United States Air Force?
 
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