Why School X - always write, even if you're also submitting PS AND an optional statement? Forum

[DistrictDisaster]

I've read other threads on the Why X statement - I get that it's not necessary for top 6. Is it always necessary for everyone else? What if the school already has an optional statement (e.g. Georgetown). None of their OS prompts are "why Georgetown?" So would I give them PS, my optional statement, AND a Why Georgetown statement? I feel like I would hate me if I got all those words and I was a bogged down admissions committee. Thanks in advance for the opinions.

[DistrictDisaster]

The one thing I should say re: the Georgetown example is that one of their OS prompts is something like "imagine you went to Georgetown - where would you be 10 years from now?". I suppose that could be turned into a Why Georgetown answer?

[hotdog96]

I've been having this same debate, would love to see some other answers too. I'm submitting PS and DS so I don't wanna submit too much

[hamshotfirst]

From what I've read, when schools have optional essays, people will do either/or. Like they'll either do an essay with the "why x" or the essay prompt. Notre Dame has an optional prompt and a number of people I've talked to are only doing a Why NDLS essay and not the optional essay.

Though I will note that I'm doing both, but I'm also a paranoid wreck so take everything I say with a grain of salt! Good luck, i bet you crush it!

[DistrictDisaster]

From what I've read, when schools have optional essays, people will do either/or. Like they'll either do an essay with the "why x" or the essay prompt. Notre Dame has an optional prompt and a number of people I've talked to are only doing a Why NDLS essay and not the optional essay.

Though I will note that I'm doing both, but I'm also a paranoid wreck so take everything I say with a grain of salt! Good luck, i bet you crush it!

You are super kind and obviously lying, but I appreciate the vote of confidence.

This is a really interesting perspective. I think I may do exactly what you suggest and do the Why Georgetown instead of the optionals (don't love any of the prompts anyhow). Honestly, I've been a TA and I just think people are mistaken when they assume more is always more. When you're reading/grading your 100th application/essay of the day, more is not more. More is just making me want to stab you with my pen.