What is the function of “optional” for the SAO forms?

What is the function of “optional” for the SAO forms? In some cases, like the SSAT or recommendation forms, schools want to put “optional” for families, but still want those forms to be delivered to the school if families have the forms, but the forms are not required.

The idea of “optional” is to offer schools the ability to access any forms a student might have on file from applying to other schools. Required components are tracked for the completion of the application while optional ones are not. EMA delivers optional forms if the families have the form on file. The optional functionality allows the student to submit more information about themselves without adding additional burden on families applying to their school. If schools want students to submit the specific forms, then they should mark those forms as "required."