Optional Essays: When to Include and When to Skip

Most business schools offer an optional essay in their MBA applications. But when does it make sense to include one and when should you skip it?

Jeremy Shinewald, an admission consultant at mbaMission, recently discussed scenarios where applicants should include an optional essay and offered tips on how to best position your narrative.

ADDRESSING WEAKNESSES

One of the most common reasons to include an optional essay is to address weaknesses in your application such as poor grades.

“If you feel that your academic record is not as strong as it should be for your target program, then proactively discussing this potential concern or weakness in the optional space can be beneficial,” Shinewald says. “For example, you might have a low overall GPA, or your grades dipped substantially during a particular semester, or you have a few specific failing grades, an academic probation, a number of dropped or incomplete classes, a change of major in the middle of your degree, or some other aberration on your transcript.”

An optional essay highlighting your low grades, Shinewald says, isn’t so much about noting your shortcoming, but taking control of your narrative and reassuring the admissions committee that, despite these shortcomings, you are qualified.

“You want to offer the necessary information that will enable them to either view your challenges in the most positive light possible or understand how you have overcome them,” Shinewald says. “Simply put, you cannot hide your weaknesses. So you should use the optional space to explain anything problematic from your past and/or to reassure the admissions committee about your future academic potential.”

CLARIFYING GAPS

An optional essay can also be used to explain gaps in your resume or academic transcript. Gaps are typically three months or more and include anything from being laid off from your job to taking time off for personal issues.

“If you feel you can offer a sufficient explanation in the space provided in the application, you probably do not need to use the optional essay space, but if you have a gap that could use some clarification, and the application does not offer a dedicated space in which to do so, you can submit an optional essay that addresses the issue,” Shinewald says.

EXPLAINING RECOMMENDER CHOICE

Most business schools ask for a letter of recommendation from your current supervisor. In the event that you are able to secure a letter from your supervisor, you have the option to use the optional essay to provide context.

“For example, you might not want to disclose yet that you plan to go to business school, because doing so could negatively affect your chances for a promotion or bonus,” Shinewald says. “Or perhaps you have not worked under the supervisor for very long, so they would not be able to speak to your abilities and past achievements. Simply explain the situation briefly and clearly.”

WHEN NOT TO INCLUDE AN OPTIONAL ESSAY

Remember—optional essays are optional. If you’re a strong applicant with no low stats or application inconsistencies to explain, skip the optional essay.

“Not submitting an optional essay or leaving an additional information box blank will not be detrimental to your candidacy if you have nothing in your profile that warrants clarification,” Shinewald says. “So unless you indeed have something problematic to address, do not use the space at all.”

Sources: mbaMission, Accepted

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