<p>Hi, all. I have a question about the space provided by the Common App for additional information.
I am a pretty serious writer, and many of my extracurriculars/ honors revolve around my talent as a writer/interest in writing. I know the extra space is usually used to detail any additional activities or circumstances, but I would really like to put one of my short stories there. I feel like the most accurate way to convey my love of writing is to show the admissions officers an example of my work (it would be one of my award-winning pieces). However, I'm worried this is an inappropriate use of the space. Any thoughts? If it makes a difference, I am applying to be an English major at all of my chosen schools. </p>
<p>I am in the same position - I am attaching a writing portfolio to schools that allow such documents (though not all of them do). How long is the piece you are thinking about submitting, and what type of piece is it (creative nonfiction, fiction, poetry, play, etc.)?</p>
<p>The additional information section, like all other CA sections I know of, has a word limit. Plus, you’ll prove yourself as being a good writer with your awards, and if the colleges you’re applying to don’t give you a space in their supplements to include such pieces, it could be that they don’t want them (it adds a lot more work/reading for the adcom to do). </p>
<p>Have you tried emailing the admissions rep for your area and asking how they would prefer this supplement be submitted?</p>
<p>Do not do this. Colleges ASK for what they want. If they will accept an arts supplement, you can ask them if they will take a writing sample and submit that as they instruct you. The additional information section is for things like additional bullets on ECs you couldn’t fit in the application, additional coursework that doesn’t fit anywhere in the Common App section (a MOOC would be an example), things like that. It isn’t for extra essays or creative writing samples.</p>
<p>Remember that colleges ask for what they want to see, and they have thousands of applications to review. Be very selective about what you add to their reading workload. I think a writing supplement or portfolio is fine if they say they will accept them, but even then, be selective. Don’t go overboard thinking an ad-com will spend 30 minute or an hour on your supplemental material.</p>