Most applications have an option to submit a portfolio (of music, art, creative writing, etc.) and I don’t know if I should do it? I plan to write my common app essay about creative writing because it’s one of my most important hobbies, but I don’t intend to major in creative writing (I’m thinking about comp sci or engineering). Should I pick out an excerpt or short story to submit?
The portfolio is usually only for students who want to major in a related field i.e. creative writing for a creative writing major. Majors like comp sci and engineering rarely require portfolios nor do they want to see them. Double check but you might not actually have the option depending on the major. Sometimes for creative majors such as art/music your portfolio acts as/or holds a similar weight to your test scores.
Okay I was wondering because most of the schools I’m looking at don’t stipulate that those supplemental materials are for any specific majors. For example, Hamilton’s website just says that they are “to document your special talent(s)” and I thought maybe since my common app essay will probably be about writing it would be fitting. But do you think since I don’t intend to major in creative writing it would be excessive/inappropriate?
My D, who does not intend to major in Art, submitted an art portfolio as part of her applications. We looked at it as sort of an EC, since she was a little short on “regular” ECs. The portfolio showed how seriously she was involved in art, how her time was spent, and highlighted her creativity.
She plans to take lots of art courses in college, as I’m imagining you hope to take writing courses. So a portfolio can flesh out a special interest.
Ditto to the comments that your work has to be good, and the college has to be open to receiving “supplements.” I’m guessing submitting writing might actually be easier than art, as her pieces had to photographed or scanned, and each college had somewhat different requirements. Make sure you follow each college’s guidelines.
You cannot go wrong if you 1) follow the respective colleges’ guidelines and 2) your work is of good quality.
As for how to judge quality, your submission, beyond its personal and creative aspects, should show discipline and an awareness of form.
Your intended major is merely a distracting element here (unless the college has indicated it as a factor). You clearly want to attend a school at which you can experience the curriculum across its breadth. Your writing submission could serve to demonstrate that you are the type of student a discerning college would want in its classrooms.
Good luck.
Agreed.
I disagree. If the college limits portfolio submissions to specific prospective majors, it will say so on the website. I submitted a musical composition supplement and I’m a STEM major.