The optional essay can be a valuable tool in your MBA application — but only if used strategically. Its primary purpose is to address potential concerns or anomalies in your profile, such as an employment gap, a low GPA, or unusual career shifts.
The most effective approach is to explain the issue concisely, factually, and without defensiveness. For instance, if you have a six-month gap in employment, you might briefly describe the reason (e.g., a family relocation or professional retraining) and then highlight how you stayed engaged or built skills during that time.
What you shouldn’t do is treat the optional essay as bonus space to tell another unrelated story or to repeat material from your main essays. Admissions officers already have that information — repetition wastes the opportunity. Similarly, explaining why you applied in a later round rarely adds meaningful value.
Think of the optional essay as a risk management tool: it gives you control over how potential red flags are perceived. By proactively offering context, you prevent the admissions committee from making assumptions — and ensure your candidacy is evaluated on its true merits.