<p>I’ve noticed that certain schools, such as the University of Chicago, allow students to submit a “brief” creative writing sample as a supplement to their application. </p>
<p>I’ve written a few stories or other fictional pieces in my spare time that I would consider to be very well written and interesting. The specific piece I have in mind is a 1600ish word story with a twist ending. I have three questions:</p>
<li><p>Would submitting this story improve my chances of admission at Chicago or other colleges that specifically mention creative writing samples?</p></li>
<li><p>If so, would it be helpful to submit this piece of writing to other colleges (those that do not ask for creative writing samples) as well? </p></li>
<li><p>If submitting the story would be helpful, how, exactly, would I go about doing so? Should I just mail it or is there some other procedure that I need to follow?</p></li>
</ol>
<p>I don't know the answer, but I was wondering as well (though for schools other than Chicago). I'd love in answer.
Adding on to the original question, can it HURT your chances of admission to send a creative writing sample? If I send a sample that they don't like, will they reject me based on it, or can it only help me?</p>
<p>I'd say include it if it is specifically mentioned as part of a list of optional arts supplements. If, like Williams, a school has an arts supplement that does not include a creative writing option, I wouldn't send it.</p>
<p>I'd be interested to know the answer to this as well.
Many schools specifically allow creative writing supplements.</p>
<p>However, the procedures for handling said supplements are much less well-defined than those for, say, art or music.</p>
<p>The details probably vary from school to school because creative writing is usually not a standard supplement option. You may want to contact each school individually to find out the exact procedures they have.</p>