Hamilton optional document

So Hamilton offers you to add an additional document of your choice that you must preface with a supplement to explain why it’s important for them to see it. They say it is completely optional. This is in addition to a Why Hamilton essay. Do you think you will be penalized for not including this? Also, I am submitting a film portfolio.

@giantoctopus, I don’t as neither of our DD’s, who are now Freshman at Hamilton, submitted it. I think the key is that anything submitted is meaningful additional information - a film portfolio would be that.

May I ask what your daughters intended interests are? I’m just curious if they expect an essay/story if you are majoring in Literature.

Sure. One is a Government and International Relations major and the other is a Neuroscience, or Biochemistry, major. They are also very involved outside the classroom with one a XC/Track varsity athlete and actively involved in Congressional Politics, and the other doing STEM research and a leader in the Outing Club.

For another perspective - my D (current Hamilton freshman as well) submitted a dance supplement as part of her admissions entry last year, even though she has no plans to major in dance (she’s leaning math/physics.) However, dance was one of her major ECs throughout high school. She felt like it was a significant part of her “story” and small schools like Hamilton that are really looking for fit seem to genuinely want to know who kids are. It sounds like your film portfolio will serve that purpose for you.

I actually don’t recall there being an additional optional document besides the Why Hamilton essay last year. Maybe it’s a new option? At any rate, if you’re already doing the Why Hamilton and submitting a film portfolio, I wouldn’t worry about it.