<p>We were surprised to see that the Williams Supplement doesn't ask for an essay, or really anything much (except for a list of legacies). Does that mean that one would be wise to use a supplemental essay in the "Additional Info" area of the Writing Samples section, instead of an activities chart? If so, is it a no-no to mail a hard copy of an expanded activities chart?</p>
<p>Actually there is a way to include everything you want to. I don't remember how DS did it.</p>
<p>He did not submit an extra essay, but he did send a peer recommendation which was really cute. His older sister wrote it. He also sent an arts supplement.</p>
<p>He was admitted without an extra essay.</p>
<p>He did also submit an activities addendum.</p>
<p>I don't think it's wise to submit your application piece meal. Wasn't Williams one of those schools that requires everything sent at once except the arts supplement? I can't quite remember.</p>
<p>So, I assume he must have submitted his activities addendum in the "Additional Info" spot?</p>
<p>In my DS's case, I think it may be more effective to submit the additional essay, which actually shows how important one of his activities is to him--and, IMHO, is a great essay--than to submit an activities addendum, which would flesh out his activities but not add a whole lot otherwise. If that's the choice...</p>
<p>I'm pretty sure you can do both. You can post one on com. ap. and one on the supplement.</p>
<p>Do both. Consider sending everything as hard copy rather than online as it gives an applicant more control over format and everything is all together. If an activities supplement is properly formatted, a reader can glance over it and take in a lot of information quickly. An essay is something to be studied, adiferent genre. One may mean more to a particular reader than the other. As long as the pieces aren't fluff, are truthful, and aren't terribly duplicative, submitting both increases the chance that something will stand out to the reader. I think they can complement each other.</p>
<p>during the admissions info session, the admissions officers actively talk up sending in supplemental material, particularly the peer recommendation. Send anything you think might help you (within reason).</p>
<p>Consolation, I have no insider information, but my opinion is that for a Williams application, more is better. I would agree with rhapsody: "Send anything you think might help you (within reason)."</p>
<p>My son submitted two EC packages that were a combination of what was required in official arts supplement instructions and what he wanted the college to know about him. The packages were specifically geared to the EC's in question and included a resume that listed the relevant courses, grades, activities, achievements, awards; a recommendation from an instructor and/or mentor; a personal statement; and one newpaper article about an outstanding accomplishment.</p>
<p>He used the short answer on the common application "Please briefly elaborate on one of your activities. . ." to expound on his experience and included it in one of these EC packages.</p>
<p>He also included separately examples of his writing, both creative and expository.</p>
<p>Who knows, they may have filed all this extraneous info in the trash can, but I think, especially because Williams does not do evaluative interviews, detail and examples help to flesh out the applicant's persona. </p>
<p>As farmfresh suggests, he printed the whole package and sent what I hope was an easily accessible a hard copy.</p>
<p>Also, I do think Williams is true to their stated goal of created a class of individuals who have many talents and interests. This is certainly true of my son, and his admission letter made reference to this.</p>
<p>is it truly the more the better? i sent my scientific abstracts and published news articles, add up to thirty sheets of paper. will it harm my chances for Williams? i am feeling so bad these days and wondering all day about it.</p>