I know this has been asked several times throughout the years, but what is appropriate to include in the optional part of the writing supplement that says, “Please attach a document if you wish to provide details of circumstances or qualifications not reflected in the application.”
This is basically the same exact thing as the Common App section, so is this different in some way?
Would it be an appropriate place to talk about an important part of my identity that hasn’t been reflected anywhere else (along the lines ethnic, sexual, religious, etc.)?
I’m inclined to just leave it blank, but I really have no idea what is appropriate to include. Since it is Princeton, I would guess they would expect something that is amazing and would enhance the application but thought I would hear what some other people think.
Unless you have something amazing, not covered elsewhere (and how is that possible if it is amazing?), don’t feel you need to fill it up. An example of what yiummkght include could be paper you are co-authored, If you were published in a recognized journal.
The adcoms have to read everything you include and you run the risk of annoying the very person you are trying to win over by including fluff just to pad your app.
It’s okay to leave it blank of course. At the same time, if you have something you believe you want to “flesh out”, this is the place. For example, if an “amazing” thing about you is you are a creative writer, you can list your more important publications (ideally with links to them; e.g. Poem, 'Title", Date of publication, publication, link). Get first place in a regional tournament that you think is objectively impressive? List and it and link to it. Don’t go into much detail, just a simple list to keep the ad coms eyes moving quickly and respecting the application process. This method can help you avoid the “I think it’s important so it must be to an adcom so I need to write a few more paragraphs” trap. In my opinion anyway.