<p>Does the research part include only scientific research or could it include original research on history, etc.?</p>
<p>Can supplementary material ever hurt your application?</p>
<p>Supplementary material can hurt your application. Yale discourages applicants from sending in supplementary info, therefore you'd better be sure it is REALLY good before you send it in. Most of the time, just describing your research is good enough, no need to send the research itself in. The admissions officers are swamped and they don't have time to read tons of supplementary stuff. If your supplementary stuff is not of outstanding quality, don't send it. I think a lot of folks have done stuff that is impressive in the context of their high school, so they don't get what it takes to be impressive in the Yale applicant pool and they send in stuff that no one want to deal with.</p>
<p>You can PM me if you want to discuss a specific supplemental item that you don't want to broadcast on the board.</p>
<p>It is stated clearly on Yale website that supplementary materials can hurt your application.</p>
<p>@AdmissionsAddict: On what level do you think a research is considered to be of "outstanding quality"? Does it have to be one that is published on a professional journal with peer reviews?</p>
<p>I sent in a supplement. Three vocal selections. I applied SCEA, and felt, after much consultation with my voice teachers, that the supplement would not hurt my application. I have had the opportunity to know some successful Yale applicants from previous classes who did this as well. I guess I will know soon enough if it was a good move. Yes, it can hurt you, but it can also help you. That's the rub....</p>
<p>I think (just my opinion) that a reasonable rule of thumb for supplementary material is whether it has gotten recognition beyond the school or local level. If you've gotten national or international recognition, it's pretty safe, and state and regional level are a judgment call, based on context (there are plenty of obscure types of recognition at the regional level)</p>
<p>I have two children who are current students at Yale - both sent in supplementary material. One sent in science research abstract, recognized at international level, the other sent a music cd, recognized at national level. I think that's the key, as Ailey says.</p>
<p>Totally agree with Ailey. Year after year on CC I see kids who have done unpublished research and want to send in an abstract or who play first chair in the local youth symphony and think they should send in a CD. You've got to look at what is impressive outside your own small pond.</p>
<p>Thank you, guys. Your replies are very clarifying and helpful.</p>