<p>I know that there have been many threads on the topic of creative supplements, but most are geared toward the visual arts. </p>
<p>Since a lot of colleges specifically say that supplementary material should only be included if it showcases an "extraordinary talent," would it be safe to assume that submitting a piece that was published in a literary magazine (one with ~5% acceptance rate) would probably not harm one's application? That it wouldn't be seen as excessive?</p>
<p>Thanks for any opinions; it really simply seems egotistic to assess one's own work and deem it "extraordinary," and that's what they're asking us to do.</p>
<p>I don’t think it would be see as excessive at all, particularly if the magazine is a regional, state, or national magazine with a large readership and a large submission rate to boot. Just to be sure, though, I’d ask your English teacher to look over it and comment on its merit and whether it warrants a supplement to your application.</p>
<p>Also, you need to think about whether or not it strengthens your application significantly and will be that one thing to tip you over the edge. If you write a fantastic admissions essay (especially if the school requires 2 or more), do you really need to include your literary piece (especially if you cite it under honors/awards/publications)? It might be a good thing to include if you have weak grades in English or writing courses, or weak scores on the writing portion of the SAT/ACT.</p>
<p>Nah, itry, it won’t do that, but it might get them annoyed since, sorry, I don’t think your lit magazine submission constitutes as “extraordinary talent”. When they mean that kind of talent I think they’re talking about a piece in the NYTimes or Newsweek. Do mention it under awards/honors since it seems like a great piece regardless.</p>
<p>Juliet: The magazine is nationally distributed and has a readership of 15,000-20,000. I feel that if I’m presenting myself as an aspiring writer or journalist, there’s that much more pressure to right absolutely outstanding personal essays. My thinking is that if those essays just don’t turn out to be jaw-dropping, then this piece could shore up my claims.</p>
<p>itry: I’m in no way trying to be cocky; in fact, I’m the first one to criticize my writing, and I do so unabashedly. Could you explain why it would make me appear lazy? I’m not being facetious - I really want to know.</p>
<p>bubbles: I know what you mean. Thanks for your input, that makes a lot of sense. Actually, I’m putting together an essay right now on the role of a multiracial individual in the supposedly “post-racial” American society, and I plan on submitting it to Newsweek’s My Turn and the New York Times Op-Ed page (but the chances of actually getting selected…well…I don’t even like to think about it).</p>
<p>Thanks again.</p>
<p>bird rock: Hmmm…well…</p>
<p>Crap. There’s nothing much else to say to that, because your evidence seems to be substantiated. Thanks</p>
<p>I actually think you should submit it, if the college allows supplemental materials. I’ve written several plays, none of which have been published (I’ve never tried to get them published, I just write for fun). I gave each college I applied to (the ones that accepted supplemental submissions) a copy of one of my one-act plays and I don’t think it had a negative effect on my application. My English grades and essay were strong so it wasn’t like I needed to compensate for those aspects of my application. I also spoke to several admission officers from various schools and they all said that they evaluate the submissions–they just don’t give everything as much attention as they do your actual application, but it can certainly help you! I say go for it!</p>