USAFA essay question

USAFA_86

USAFA class of 2025
Joined
Dec 17, 2019
Messages
276
In the writing section of the application there is two required essays and one optional essay. The optional essay prompt is "Please provide any additional information or background you believe will be of assistance in evaluating your application." I played football in high school and have seen my fair share of "optional" practices that are not really optional. Is this essay the same thing, or is it truly something that is optional. If it is truly optional, would it benefit me to write it?
 
This has been asked many times earlier, most people suggest writing it. Many equate it to doing optional extra credit on a test, shows you are motivated and work hard. Just use the google search “optional essay serviceacademyforums” and answers will pop up.
 
This has been asked many times earlier, most people suggest writing it. Many equate it to doing optional extra credit on a test, shows you are motivated and work hard. Just use the google search “optional essay serviceacademyforums” and answers will pop up.
I have looked though the forums and there seemed to be a lot of different answers. Some people said that it is something that is essentially required, while others said that it is pointless unless you are explaining away a weakness in your application. I don't see a big hole in my application (I have good grades, a good ACT score, strong leadership and service, etc.) so I would end up writing about why I want to go to USAFA. I was just wondering if it would be worth it or if it wouldn't matter (or if it could go so far as to hurt my application).
 
I am sorry if that came off as over-confident. It was not what I intended. I have been fortunate enough to not have something happen that needs explaining. I want to be sure it wouldn't hurt me to provide a "why do you want to attend the academy" essay.
 
I am sorry if that came off as over-confident. It was not what I intended. I have been fortunate enough to not have something happen that needs explaining. I want to be sure it wouldn't hurt me to provide a "why do you want to attend the academy" essay.
There is no official answer to be found on anonymous internet forums.

Think about it like this. Would you rather make an error of commission or omission?

Or, think of it like a job interview. The interviewer says, “USAFA_86, is there anything else you would like me to know about you?” You can answer “No, all done, nothing more I want you to know about me.” Or...
 
When touring USAFA with my DS before he completed his first application, the senior cadet who led the group shared that it should be completed, it's an extra opportunity to tell the selection committee about you. Like @Capt MJ said, think of it like a job interview, let them know why they should offer YOU an appointment, what makes you stand out from the other 8000 or so applicants, it's an open-ended prompt that allows you the flexibility to tell them what they might not see from other areas of the application, or a major challenge you've overcome. Don't squander the opportunity.
 
In the writing section of the application there is two required essays and one optional essay. The optional essay prompt is "Please provide any additional information or background you believe will be of assistance in evaluating your application." I played football in high school and have seen my fair share of "optional" practices that are not really optional. Is this essay the same thing, or is it truly something that is optional. If it is truly optional, would it benefit me to write it?


When my DD ran up against the "option" thing during her application process, she took it as highly recommended and took advantage of that option.
 
Back
Top