My son will complete every “optional” supplemental essay any college includes on the Common App supplemental pages.
But we are wondering about some of the optional spaces that don’t seem as if they would add to his application. For example: one college has an optional “My Space” section where you can upload a video or image or something. If there is nothing artsy that would add to his application, would it be okay not to put anything there? Or should he find something to attach just to attach something-- like a paper he wrote for class or something?
Other students could impress the adcom with their piano playing or a painting or a comedy routine, and My Space would serve them well. For him, his strengths seem amply demonstrated in the rest of his application, and it feels like My Space would not help him by adding anything new.
Anyone have experience with having left this type of artsy section blank and still gotten into the college?
Hmmm, this is a good question. If you don’t think that he has anything to add to his app by utilizing this, then I’d probably have him skip it. I would not have him put a paper that he wrote there.
So conventional wisdom goes something like “The thicker the file, the thicker the applicant.” Some colleges ask for an ARTS supplement or research abstract or resume. Most people only upload these if they have something particularly significant. Otherwise rule of thumb is just as you suggest, only include pertinent things. ADCOMS have a lot of files to review and adding things just to add only infuriates them leaving a bad taste in their mouth.
I am assuming you are speaking about Vassar on this. At the info session I asked what percentage of applicants who are not Dance/Theatre/Visual Arts submitted Your Space files. They AdCom replied, less than 10% and that not submitting it would in now way be held against you as not 'being interested".
D17 passed up any and all opportunities for “supplemental” materials, additional recs, “zeemee” links, resumés, etc. as she didn’t feel that it added anything. She did write stuff for the “optional” essays as she did not consider them to be “optional.” She also, where applicable, applied for a number of merit scholarships, several of which required additional essays. Not submitting anything “supplemental” did not hurt her with admissions – she got in everywhere that she applied and was offered merit at every school that gave it.
Thanks. His plan is to write all supplemental essays/ questions but not to submit additional materials of any sort (videos, art, music, creative writing, etc.).
I saw something like this on one of S18’s apps and was wondering the same thing. This is helpful info. Additionally, I noticed a resume option on some apps. While S has more activities than the 10 allowed, I am reluctant for him to add a resume with descriptions. My gut is telling me that AOs don’t really want to read all that. And while the descriptions (in his case) would provide more info/context, there isn’t anything mind-blowing to include.
@ProfessorMom1 CC (in a very, um, managed private school college counseling program) said not to submit a resume. Being able to distill your information into those 10 lines is in and of itself an important skill. Unless a school really gives the idea that it is open to additional materials or a resume I would not suggest it.
@4junior ooo. Thank you! Our CC never mentioned it (though sounds like we are in similar school environments). And the reason to NOT do a resume makes complete sense.
@TheGreyKing - my D did submit a “your space” video but that was because she had a lot of theater experience and can play piano so that added to her video. I don’t know if it helped or not, but she did get in. However, from what you describe about your son, it sounds like he will be fine without that kind of supplement.