Should my child submit the optional essays even if they’re optional?

Yes. Optional essays are like bonus levels in a video game. You don’t have to play them, but if you do and do them well, you earn serious points. These essays give your child extra space to talk about something meaningful—maybe a special talent, a unique interest, or a personal story that didn’t fit anywhere else. Admissions officers notice when students take the extra step to show who they are. Skipping it can signal a lack of effort or interest. And in a city like Dallas, where plenty of families are gunning for the same top schools, every extra chance to stand out counts. So go ahead, check the “optional” box. Then knock it out of the park.