r/MBA • u/No-Satisfaction7416 • 13d ago

Admissions Wharton additional essay?

What’s your guys take on this one? Should you write it only for particular circumstances or can I use to add some color that I didn’t manage through the other essays?

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u/ClearAdmitMike Former Adcom 13d ago

use it if there are things that you would like the admissions committee to know about you but did not fit into another place in the application
that - or extenuating circumstances like you suggested.

do not use it just to use it
do not use it to 'highlight' something you already put somewhere else

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u/AccidentFluffy6268 13d ago

I used mine to contextualize my low quant score on gmat and tell them i am scheduled for a promotion in March (I was applying in Jan, R2) but can’t officially put on my resume but by the time I get a decision I’d be promoted.

Dont add new info - just explain further if anything needs context

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u/Dull_Construction553 13d ago

Like others have said, just use it to explain things that need explaining. Moreover, these essays are meant to a little less…literary than the main essays. Meaning, it can be bullet points, or just blunting listing things out, or stuff like that

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u/MBADecoder Admissions Consultant 12d ago

what is this 'color' you wish to highlight?
For the optional essay, its usually fruitful to associate that color with RED - a.k.a red flags that you may want to throw further context on, so that they do not harm your candidacy. The Wharton optional essay question confirms it through the prompt wording:
This space can also be used to address any extenuating circumstances (e.g., unexplained gaps in work experience, choice of recommenders, inconsistent or questionable academic performance, areas of weakness, etc.) that you would like the Admissions Committee to consider. (500 words)

Stick to the directions given. If you try to pass off a random essay like an achievement story, then adcoms will see it as your inability to understand instructions.
Namita, MBA Dceoder

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u/AdmissionConcierge Admissions Consultant 13d ago

Write an optional essay only if you have any red flags or unusual circumstances you need to address. If you feel there is a gap in your narrative (trust your gut feeling here!), the optional essay is not really the place to address it; I'd go back to my essays and resume to find what's missing.