<p>Hi guys! I've applied early action and am dying to hear the results... but one thing completely slipped my mind and I'm not sure what to do. Not to sound arrogant but I'm pretty amazing at graphic design; it's one of my main passions. I already listed on my EC's that I've designed our past two yearbook covers as well as most of the design throughout them, and have also designed basically everything my school uses officially (emblem, banner, curriculum booklet, school play posters, etc.). I'm sure that it would impress them somewhat but there are two issues: </p>
<p>1) Results are a week or so away. Would they even review them at this point or have they probably already decided if I'm getting in or not?</p>
<p>2) I'm planning on being a Psychology major (Psychiatrist eventually). I don't know how much sending them my best design work would affect my decision, if at all. </p>
<p>I think I will upload them anyway just to be safe, but do you guys think it will give me any edge at all? Is it too late completely? I did mention in one of my essays how I'd like to help with a few of their publications and websites, and in another one I mentioned how joining yearbook committee has allowed me to express myself so much more. Submitting some of my work might show them what I'm capable of, but they might also find it totally irrelevant since Psychology and Graphic Design are completely unrelated.</p>
<p>Thanks and good luck to everyone else applying! </p>
<p>My guess would be that it is too late now since decisions will be next week. Having said that, I am no expert, so why not call them? They probably are being deluged with calls right now, but that’s the only way to find out. Asking on CC will never give you the correct answer. </p>
<p>Hope you get in EA, but if you are deferred, then you for sure can upload the materials to your file for the RD round.</p>
<p>@annwank Thank you! I’ll call them today and see what they think. I’m really disappointed that I forgot to do that, but I did display some graphic design in my essays (not crazy graphics of course, but using clean typography, fonts, and layout [hopefully they don’t look down upon that]). Submitting some of my designs may not give me much of a boost but I’m already really insecure about my chances of getting in, so anything would help. </p>
<p>I submitted a very short graphic design portfolio because I did not mention my graphic design anywhere else in my application, and it’s something that I self-taught so none of my teachers would have mentioned it in my recommendations. I just wanted them to know that there’s another facet to my personality, but it seems like you’ve made that point without the addition of a portfolio. I do not think it would significantly hurt you.</p>
<p>If you do decide to try to submit one, I think you should keep a couple things in mind:
Submitting this late could reflect poorly upon your promptness/ability to complete things by given deadlines
Adding more to your application can only help you, especially if you are talented at graphic design
Admissions officers might like to see some proof of any graphic design ability you mentioned in your application.</p>
<p>Because uchicago is such a unique place to learn and seems less career driven and more knowledge driven, I do not think that whether or not graphic design lines up with your intended major is a factor to consider.</p>
<p>I think that it is so late in the game at this point that it will give you as much as an edge as you might like, but if you really REALLY want them to see your portfolio then just go for it.</p>
<p>@annwank That is so kind of you, thanks for the motivation Unfortunately I haven’t been able to call them yet due to certain school drama taking up nearly every minute of my day, but I have uploaded quite a few of my best designs and will make sure to call the office tomorrow. </p>
<p>@tawsch On the contrary, I actually had my art/publications teacher write my letter of recommendation (she’s also my second cousin and we’ve been very close since middle school). While I didn’t read her letter myself, I’m sure that it was glowing between my design work and general self change since being a freshman. I also mentioned on my Common App (in the EC’s section) all of the professional design work that I have done. I’m sure they’ll get the gist of it that graphic design is a strong suit of mine.</p>
<p>1) You do make a great point there. I hope that it won’t hurt me… I know that it’s my own fault for not submitting anything but I always thought portfolios were only for people actually going into an art degree. Also, I submitted everything through the Common App besides the financial info, so I didn’t take much of a look at the rest of my UChicago profile.
2+3) Again, great points. I figured that the pros of these two outweighed the potential con in your first point, so I took the chance and went for it. I have no idea how the admissions process works on the college’s side of things but maybe if they receive notice of my portfolio, they’ll look again at my application.</p>
<p>I appreciate the detailed post! I will update this thread when I call tomorrow and when I hear back from them next week. Exciting times! </p>
Unfortunately I haven’t been able to call them yet due to certain school drama taking up nearly every minute of my day, but I have uploaded quite a few of my best designs and will make sure to call the office tomorrow. </p>