I’ve heard that it’s better to keep your application smaller, that you don’t want to waste the AO’s time and whatnot. I’m struggling to figure out how much is too much when it comes to supplementary materials. For example, Brown allows the submission of a graded paper and also offers interviews. I think both of these things could improve my application, but how much is too much (especially if I submitted 3 letters of recommendation)?
I would go for the interview, but hold back on the graded paper. If you sent in 3 recommendation letters, then AOs will have already learned how teachers view you as a student, so I don’t think the graded paper is necessary. However, attending an interview almost never harms an applicant, it can only help!
" better to keep your application smaller, that you don’t want to waste the AO’s time"
When applying to a tippy top, better to know what they expect, than hearsay.
The issue with a graded essay can be the intellectual strengths it does show. Or not. A kid needs to choose very wisely.
Of couse, you need the interview. And, to nail it. Why are you thinking it’s optional? And the 3rd letter had better be relevant, as well.
There is an old saying “The thicker the application file the thicker the applicant”.
@lookingforward Brown says, “We encourage applicants to submit a graded paper from an English, Literature, History, Economics, or other Humanities or Social Studies class.” I do not think it would subtract from my application because I am a strong writer, but again, I do not want to go overboard as the other commenters are warning against.
I did not know the Brown interview was required. My bad. I found the 3rd recommendation to be essential as it was from a music teacher of 4 years who has overlooked most of my extracurriculars and knows my character better than anyone.
I think I will run the risk of an application that is “too thick” and submit a graded paper, since Brown does encourage it and I did not take the SAT with the essay.
I’d submit the graded paper. It can show off your academic writing (which hopefully, your application does not use!), show something about your intellectual thought, and the comments and grade may also be a reference point for grades on your transcript. My guess is that this provides a fair amount of info to an AO.
@gardenstategal I think I will do that, thank you! Followup question: if I got points deducted from a paper due to lateness should I pick a different paper? This paper was definitely my strongest but time management and sickness dropped me from a 98 to an 83 
Hmmm… not sure I would send in a paper that was marked down for lateness. Not exactly something you’d like to bring to the AO’s attention, even if there is a “back-story”. I would pick another, I think.
Be very careful what graded paper you submit. Maybe get someone to read over it as it is easier to spot other people’s mistakes than it is your own.
You describe yourself as a strong writer yet state that your music teacher overlooked your extracurriculars when you might mean oversaw.
I often write ‘a’ when I intend to write ‘and.’ When I read it back I read and yet it clearly says a.
@Jon234 Thanks for the input. I don’t think a mistake made on an internet forum makes me a weak writer, but I will be sure to proofread any paper I would submit.
“A kid needs to choose very wisely.” Sure, send one. But one that shows your thinking strengths. Understand this gives a college insight better than an essay that could be polished by many hands.
Even choosing which paper shows your thinking.
I genuinely wasn’t implying that it did. I was pointing out the value of having someone proof read whatever you submit. Brown is an amazing college and you want to show them your best. I wish you every success.