<p>I wrote my Common Application essay about how I like poetry and I really want to send in a sample of my work. Unfortunately, the school I am applying ED to does not have portfolio review for that. Can I send in a one page sample of it anyway? Is that really bad?</p>
<p>You can send in a copy directly to the admissions office (labeled with your name, date of birth, common app number and all of that) if you want, and they’ll most likely add it to your file. I have no idea whether or not the admission officer reviewing your app will look at it though.</p>
<p>Hmm… OK. But what if I were to include it with my application? Are you not supposed to do that or something? I just really want to send them some of my writing as I intend to major in English.</p>
<p>Can I ask how are you going to include the poems in your application if you’re submitting the common app online? (Or maybe you’re thinkng about putting it in the additional information section?)</p>
<p>Well, could I put in the manilla envelope with the reccomendations and such?</p>
<p>… Or should I put in in the additional information thing?</p>
<p>Adcoms don’t want extra material like this. If they did, they’d have a section in the common app (or their specific supplement) for it. Since they don’t, that should be a clue to you.</p>
<p>I read in a somewhat older book by the former dean of admissions at Stanford that when they received unsolicited stuff like this, sometimes they’d route it over to a prof in the dept appropriate for it. As you might imagine, profs aren’t too happy to be interrupted to read the musings of some HS kid. So unless the material actually <em>was</em> standout quality, back would come a scathing review and down would go the app. Of course things may be different now, and its your future at stake – not anybody else’s. So if you want to send it in, go ahead.</p>
<p>Hmm, thanks. Well, I do read a TON of poetry and (sorry if this sounds pretentious) I write it fairly well. I am not going to send one of those silly teeny poems about love or raindrops. And the poem I thought I would send is only 150 words (very short).</p>
<p>I would send it in a separate envelope. It really can’t hurt and might help a little. At my child’s school some students send poetry and a CD of music performance. And we have found out in a number of LAC instances that someone did listen to the CD.</p>
<p>I would put it in the additional information section. If they don’t wanna read it then they won’t. It can’t really hurt you if you put it in the additional info section. If you don’t mind, I would love to hear your poetry…</p>
<p>Best is if your work is published, possibly in your school’s newspaper or literary web site, or (better) in a university or commercial literary magazine. Then you can provide references to the publications. If you haven’t been published then make a strong effort to become.</p>
<p>Otherwise I agree with mikemac.</p>
<p>Yeah, I have spoken to the college rep and she knows I am really into English/ poetry. The only problem with sending it in a seperate envelope is that it would look like portfolio review and the school doesn’t offer that. I am thinking I should just put it in the Additional Information section.</p>