Understanding the Value of the Optional Essay

At Chicago Booth’s Evening and Weekend MBA program we employ a holistic review of every application. That means no single part of an application will make or break a candidacy. The best applications reflect the unique strengths and experiences of a candidate. So what if one part of the application is underwhelming? If you can identify a “weak link” in your application, chances are the admissions committee will notice it too!

The opposite can also be true – if a leadership experience or recent promotion wasn’t highlighted in another portion of the application, it can be a chance to go into greater depth. The admissions committee appreciates hearing in your own words why a certain experience makes you a standout candidate.

The purpose of the optional essay is to give applicants a chance to expand and give perspective on any aspect of their background. See below for our committee’s “Do’s and Don’ts” to help you draft an impactful optional essay.

Do:

• Highlight accomplishments, extracurricular activities or unique life experiences that are not sufficiently highlighted in any other portion of the application.
• Give perspective on a less competitive application section that may give the admissions committee pause.
• Be consistent. An optional essay can tie together the elements of your personal story, and solidify your “Why an MBA, Why Part-Time and Why Chicago Booth.”

Don’t:

• Make excuses. This is a chance to show personal and professional development along with self-awareness.
• Submit without proofreading. Like all sections of the application, the optional essay should be checked for errors.
• Be redundant. If the optional essay is rehashing information present in other essays or sections of the application, it isn’t needed.

Past admitted candidates have written about:

• College athletic or leadership experience
• Extenuation of a low GPA in undergraduate
• Highlight analytical and quantitative abilities if GMAT/GRE quantitative sections are below average
• A recent leadership experience or promotion
• Account for a leave of absence from university or a gap in work experience
• Experience overcoming a unique or rare obstacle
• An explanation of personal values, motto or conviction
• A relevant writing sample, such as a business model developed, or program initiative

We hope this helps shed light on the optional essay and as always, please contact us with any questions!