I am filling out a college application to a university in ohio that has a few thousand students enrolled. On the application there is a page for optional information like family, ethnicity, gender, etc. There is also an optional essay where you choose a topic to help the admissions office better understand you. My question is does writing this optional essay better my chances of being accepted into the college? If I( don't write it will it make my application look less empressive?

You need to take advantage of this. Here's your chance to let them see YOU as a person, not just as numbers and words on a transcript or application form.

Here's an excellent webpage from the College Board website:
http://www.collegeboard.com/student/apply/essay-skills/9406.html

Even though you've not been given a particular topic to write on, be sure to read this webpage carefully to determine what (and what not) to write about.

Here are some ideas about topics in case you need input:

1. An event in your life when you turned a major corner or made a major decision.

2. An event in your life which illustrates you as a person -- your sense of humor, your passion(s) outside of school, perhaps even what you think you'll be majoring in and why.

3. A deep-seated belief you hold in life, and a situation in which that belief was put to the test.

This webpage has further ideas:
http://www.goodessaytopics.com/college-application-essay-topics.html

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Writing the optional essay can potentially improve your chances of being accepted into the college. While it is labeled as optional, it is an opportunity for you to provide additional information about yourself and showcase your qualities, experiences, and interests that may not be fully captured in other sections of the application. Choosing to write the optional essay demonstrates your commitment to the application process and your willingness to go the extra mile to present a more holistic picture of yourself.

However, it is also important to note that not writing the optional essay does not necessarily make your application look less impressive. Admissions offices take a holistic approach when evaluating applications, considering various factors such as academic performance, test scores, extracurricular involvement, recommendations, and other required sections of the application. Omitting the optional essay will not automatically result in a negative assessment of your application.

To make an informed decision, consider the following:

1. Reflect on the essay topic options: Take some time to review the available topics and assess if any of them align with your experiences, interests, or aspirations. If you believe you have a compelling and meaningful story or perspective to share, it could strengthen your application.

2. Consider the time and effort: Evaluate your current workload, commitments, and the feasibility of completing the optional essay effectively. If you can dedicate sufficient time to craft a well-written and thoughtful essay without neglecting other aspects of your application, it may be worthwhile to proceed.

3. Assess your overall application: Consider if there are any gaps or aspects of your profile that could be addressed through the optional essay. If you feel that this additional essay will significantly contribute to your application's strength, it might be worth pursuing.

Ultimately, it is up to you to decide whether writing the optional essay aligns with your circumstances and would enhance your application. Remember to prioritize the quality of your application as a whole, rather than solely focusing on whether or not to write the essay.