At the end of the application, Lawrenceville asks for a photograph, which seems reasonable. For some reason, other schools do not ask for a picture.
Should we upload or send one to other schools that don’t specifically ask for it? My wife seems to think that this is a good idea, but it seems a little out of place. I am hoping to get some other opinions one way or another.
It is a very nice photograph.
I guess I wonder what would be the purpose of doing so? Seems to me that the interview takes care of letting the school know what your kid looks like… What is your aim in doing so? (I don’t mean that flippantly…)
Gosh, send it only if asked and maybe use it as a FB profile pic or something if you want them to see it. If I was an admissions person who didn’t ask for it I’d probably throw it right in the trash. (Sorry.)
Schools later often ask for a picture, once you’re in and committed to going, to make a roster all students can see (once your child is a student, his/her picture will be taken at school-- but they’ll probably ask you for a picture ahead so the roster can go out in the summer). So don’t worry-- you’ll probably get to use that picture later-- and all his fellow students will see it.
Thanks – So hold on the picture unless it is specifically asked for. Got it.
I think Exeter asked for a photo and we sent photo of daughter in field hockey gear since that was her sport; rather than send a photo to those schools who aren’t asking for it, I would recommend sending instead any achievements or updates, not covered on the original app; for instance if your student got published or got some other notable award. It shows demonstrated interest and helps informs about their particular talent or strength. Rule of thumb though is only send what is requested.
@heartburner, Lville asks for a photo but this request does not have a little red star next to it. This means it is not required to sent one. Hill meanwhile has a very similar request but does have a red star, they require a photo.
@redbluegoldgreen, PEA’s current AIF does not have any request for a photo. Perhaps they dropped this aspect a while back??
I am of two minds regarding photos. I agree that sending unwanted materials might well be considered a nuisance. OTOH, having a photo might help an AO remember the kid more clearly, particularly the personality aspects that might help the applicant’s prospects. I wouldn’t send one if there was no method provided by the school but if the school offers to take one, I’d send one, assuming the student’s interview went well.
I think its really weird to send it if it has not been specifically requested
I agree that a photo should be submitted only if requested. We uploaded a photo to Lawrenceville’s online application (figured if it was part of the application, they would prefer to have it) and also to Cate. Application to Cate was via Gateway to Prep which doesn’t ask for it, but on the school website and Cate’s own application it is suggested so we emailed it to admissions.