The word "optional" is showing up a lot across college applications everywhere. Whether it be test scores, resumes, additional recommenders, or even the supplemental essays themselves, choice (or the illusion of it) is more prominent than ever. What does this all mean? Is there a disadvantage to not filling out absolutely everything? Why are they giving us so many choices? Tyler spends some time breaking down the strategic definition of the word "optional" and offers some advice on how to choose wisely.

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