I’m a prospective math major applying to Brown RD and UChicago ED II and both offer a place to submit supplementary materials after you’ve applied. I’m in a band but we don’t have anything recorded (obviously we’ve recorded some sessions on our phones but we mainly just play shows) and I’ve done research but it was never published (I did make a poster about it however). Should I bother submitting either of these things?
Thanks!
No. You don’t have to send supplementary materials, and most applicants don’t need supplementary materials. Just because one can do something does not mean one should
Here’s my take on supplements to top research universities and LACs: consider the quality of supplements that others will submit. Even for HYP, music supplements would be of the quality to a top conservatory, art supplements to a top art school, and research supplements are ready (or almost ready) to be published (if they have not been already). A phone recording and a poster don’t meet that standard.
When it comes to college applications, more ≠ better. At some point, the old adage applies: the thicker the file, the thicker the kid.