Hey guys, I am currently finalizing my applications but am on the fence if I should submit an optional essay for this prompt:
"You are not required to submit an optional statement. However, you may upload an optional statement regarding any economic, cultural, social, or other factors that you wish for us to consider when reviewing your application. Your optional statement should not exceed two pages (double-spaced) with a minimum of one-inch margins and a 10-point font size. Your decision not to provide an optional statement does not adversely impact the review of your application."
Am I wrong in interpreting this as a diversity statement? For context, my optional essay is about how Washington state mountaineering culture influenced my identity and instilled perseverance and tenacity in me. I do NOT want to submit this and come off as tone deaf or ignorant to admission officers if others are writing about URM status and going through real struggles rather than writing about hobbies. Any thoughts or advice?
So, without using this hack that JY talks about, how would you come to the conclusion that B is wrong? I was stuck between B and A and felt iffy but still got this one wrong.