College Questions

Applying to College
1

<p>I’m a new user. Although I have browsed the site a bit, I still have some questions. While they may have been posted, it is much easier and more convenient for me to get them answered here. </p>

<p>Well, here they are:</p>

<li><p>What do you guys think of the optional photograph attachment on supplements? Should we bother? I’ve heard that some colleges could use it for racial profiling, but how much does submitting a photo help/harm us? </p></li>
<li><p>Anyone here applying to Brown? Do we have to report the SAT score we got in one sitting or can we combine scores on the Brown Application? </p></li>
<li><p>Anyone have problems fitting the “Why do you want to go to college X” within the word limit? I wrote an entire page explaining why I want to go to a Columbia and there is a word limit of less than a paragraph! Suggestions for fitting it all in?</p></li>
<li><p>Anyone putting anything in in the “Additional Info Section” of the Common App? </p></li>
<li><p>Supplements…I wanted to make a CD of my art work, in lieu of art slides, but colleges have not mentioned anything about that. I haven’t yet called admissions offices, but I want to know if Harvard is ok with students sending in either art CDs or art pdfs. </p></li>
</ol>

<p>Thanks so much. I really appreciate it.</p>

2

<p>I think the photo thing is just to make the whole process seem a little friendlier. That have a box for your race that they can use for affirmative action. They wouldn't be looking at a photo for guessing purposes. If they say that the photo is optional, it would probably be better to send one as a way of showing interest.</p>

<p>You can stretch the number of words slightly, but don't press it. The "Why I want to attend..." is where you make specific references to programs that are available at the college that you are interested in.</p>

<p>A common thing to go in the supplemental info part of the common app is AP exam scores, if they are 4's and 5's.</p>

<p>If Brown's app only has room for one Verbal and one Math, I would pick the best ones independent of date.</p>

<p>If you are applying as an Arts major, then sending a portfolio would be important. I would contact the Arts department directly and ask. Otherwise, extra material doesn't do much but you could send it and it would go into your file.</p>