My son is hoping to apply RD to MIT. He will submit a research paper as part of the research portfolio. He is captain of his robotics team and would like to submit some of his creations as part of the maker portfolio. And he does photography and has some photos that he would like to submit in the visual portfolio. Does this sound like too much?
Let me clarify my question a little more: Basically, I’m wondering if the visual supplement for photography will detract from his application by providing too much info that may be extraneous to his engineering application. Thanks.
I don’t see how it would detract. An exceptionally talented photographer who also works on a significant research project outside of his high school classes and who also engages in technically creative work is outside of the norm, even for MIT applicants.
If that doesn’t describe him, he might want to reread the MIT portfolio guidance. More is only better if the more is better.
Thank you, @allyphoe . I wouldn’t say he is an exceptionally talented photographer but has a good eye for details and composition. He does have a paper that was accepted at a MIT undergrad conference. And has designed and built devices from scratch. But let me try to find the MIT portfolio guidance.
https://mitadmissions.org/apply/firstyear/portfolios-additional-material/
“Visual art & architecture
Creative individuals with exceptional talent are welcome to submit a portfolio via SlideRoom.”
http://web.mit.edu/fnl/volume/282/peterson_abelson.html indicates that in 2014, between 3% and 11% of applicants submitted any one portfolio.
I suggest only submitting materials likely to be impressive in that context.
sounds fine to submit both