Hi

i switched my job from a financial advisor to administrative assistant due to the amount of overtime and stress. I am thinking about going back to school to change to a new career and but in the meantime still needs $ to support everyday expenses. I was wondering if it is appropriate or necessary to write about this in the optional essay? thank you.

Hi--thanks for your question. Yes, I do think that any major job changes need to be addressed in your essays--BUT you need to be careful how you address this one. Remember, you're asking for admission into a VERY high-stress environment that will require a lot of time commitment! Make it clear that this is not going to affect your commitment to school or your performance. Ignoring it isn't the best idea, though, because that's a pretty major change, and could raise a red flag. You may be able to do it in the main "career progress/goals" essay and save the optional space for something more positive... or if the optional is the only place it will fit, go ahead and put it there!

Best of luck,
Sonia