The Optional Essay

[northern107]

I've heard from many people that the third essay is for explaining any gaps/issues in your resume. Can I use it to tell the academy how much going there would mean for me? I want them to know that I'm not an applicant with priorities elsewhere.

 

[Aldo.dector]

Honestly, that would be a good idea. I assume you can.

 

[bopper]

What does the prompt for each essay ask? I

 

[fullspeedahead]

Here's the prompt:

"Please provide any additional information or background you believe will be of assistance in evaluating your application. (400 to 500 words, 3000 characters max) "

You can write about anything you want in this portion. Talk about important extracurricular activities, athletics, or something else. If you are writing about wanting to attend the academy I would suggest talking about how the academy aligns with your personal goals or how attending such an institution would help you reach your fullest potential. Those are just some examples but you want to make your essay's unique and interesting to read instead of writing something like "Going to the Academy would mean a lot for me because I have always wanted to serve my country." That response has probably been read by the admissions board thousands of times and it is a good reason, but not very unique.

 

[20avva]

Here's something I've heard on this forum (I would link you to the thread but I can't seem to find it): the optional essay should only be used if there is something you haven't had the opportunity to mention or talk about elsewhere. Do you have a particular hardship you have had to face during your life? Do you have a job in addition to ECAs and school to help your family make ends meet? That's the kind of thing they are looking for in the third essay. Whatever you write should add value to your application file. It should be at least 400 words worth of value. If it is redundant or not of great importance, it may be better left unwritten. I left my essay blank.
Just my two cents. I'm just a candidate.

Also google "hacking the college essay 2017" it has a lot of great tips, the most important (IMHO) is "write the essay no one else could write." Your essay should be unique to you.