<p>Throughout high school, I've enjoyed writing poetry and playing music. A few weeks ago, I wrote a poem about drumming that I'm particularly proud of. I feel it contrasts well with the rest of my application (discussion of politics and research projects, etc.) but I'm not quite sure if it is appropriate for the 'additional information' section on Common App (the only place I could think of placing it). Ideally I would give a one or two sentence explanation then paste in the poem, but I'm not entirely confident that a poem is appropriate in that section of the Common App.</p>
<p>Why not?</p>
<p>Why not just put the poem, unless the “explanation” is necessary? If you don’t attribute it, it should be clear it is yours.</p>
<p>I don’t think anyone would reject you solely based on the poem, and it might help the college pick a diverse student body. A poli sci major who writes poetry would be rather unique in my opinion.</p>
<p>IMO, no. You’re really only supposed to use it for information about things that have really impacted your performance in and out of school. If you want to include poetry, look at school supplements and send in a writing supplement if possible. Unless the college specifically has a space for you to include a writing sample, you probably shouldn’t send one - an admissions counsellor may not be the best judge of poetry/creative writing ability. </p>
<p>Here’s why not:
"The Additional Information section, which you’ll find on the Common Application and many others, can be a handy, catch-all place to explain the sorts of things that the rest of the forms may not cover. Are there irregularities on your transcript, such as a repeated class–or a skipped one–that require clarification? Did your parents go through a nasty divorce that torpedoed your sophomore grades? Did you win a highly competitive curling competition that is virtually unknown to anyone but avid curlers? The Additional Information space might be just the spot to provide insight into such anomalies …</p>
<p>… Don’t, however, confuse optional additional information with the optional essays, which some Common App supplements (or other applications) include. In most cases, an optional essay isn’t really optional unless the college is treating it much like the “Additional Information” section. (In other words, if the instructions tell you to write it ONLY if you have critical extra information to share.) …" -“The Dean” on CC</p>
<p>Sending in a poem is like sending in an essay or a writing supplement. The additional info is not the place for that. </p>
<p>I agree, it would be unnecessary. </p>