<p>I personally loved the W&M optional submission. I thought it was straight forward, and went after what can really distinguish people in this admissions process. I think that responces to this “question” can really show who knows themselves and who doesnt. This was my favorite essay to write. I’d say definately keep it.</p>
<p>Thanks spcambell. Much of the feedback on the blog has mentioned some confusion or angst because the prompt is vague (admittedly intentionally so). Many of the blog responders are asking for blogs/videos/pictures of what works and what doesn’t so we’re keeping that in mind.</p>
<p>If we do decide to scrap the existing prompt you can be sure we’ll come up with one just as quirky</p>
<p>True story coalminerson. It got a little damaged in the shipping but hey, the Wren’s burned down three times so maybe they did the damage intentionally to try to be metaphoric</p>
<p>I agree with spcambell1. I liked that W&M did not require applicants to write yet another essay (or multiple essays) for its supplement, and it made me more excited (I guess that’s the best word to describe it?) to do that supplement before others and kept W&M in my mind. For those who are much more innovative in manners other than writing it was great, while you still left the choice for those comfortable writing another essay. </p>
<p>The only suggestion I have is that you please make sure that you post the supplement’s video-prompt link or explanation on the Common Application earlier. I kept checking my CA account for weeks waiting for the supplement prompt to appear on the page, but it kept telling me that it was not available yet. I had to hunt around online for a bit to finally find out what the standard supplement was.</p>
<p>feel free to forward the Wren rice krispy treat to me (if it is still tasty) =P</p>
<p>maybe if there was a way to politely include a reminder to make the optional submission about the applicant (wren rice krispy treat probably doesn’t do this) and not to send smelly things (like casts)… hmm.</p>
<p>hopefully no one litters to try to get into WM like the kid who put his broken piano in the middle of the water (it was in florida, if you want to google)</p>
<p>plaidskirtkid, unfortunately we cannot really get the Supplement live prior to September. The Common App doesn’t go live until August 1 and then we have to work with our IT Department and there’s to load the Supplement. However, we post the Supplement as downloadable content on our website early so students can look there for prompts and begin working.</p>
<p>Thanks for the suggestion soccerguy and for all of your good feedback on CC</p>
<p>As I’ve been reading through the blogs and on here, I’ve experienced some confusion about the length of the optional submission. On the prompt provided on the WM Common App Supplement, it says “500 words or less,” but on the Admit It! blog, it seemed like the submissions described were a lot longer. My submission was exactly 500 words, but are they typically longer? </p>
<p>The prompt on the Common App also made it sound as though submissions were supposed to be text-only. Next year’s prompt should probably make it clearer that other forms of submissions are also accepted. I think it’s a fantstic part of the application, though, and I would hate to see it go!</p>
<p>Ladyspark, while we do suggest a 500-word limit for the optional submission, we will certainly accept things that are slightly longer. Same goes for the personal statement in the Common App. It mentions a 500-word limit but we’re not sticklers for that. Now, we don’t want anyone submitting pages upon pages upon pages but we certainly won’t be upset if someone exceeds the word limit a bit.</p>
<p>As to whether or not things that are not essays can be submitted, that’s what we’re mulling over at the moment. The goal is to have people use the written word but we realize that a) people will send what they want to send oftentimes regardless of instructions provided and b) there are some non-written submissions that are incredibly strong.</p>
<p>It seems clear from the blogs that more clarification is warranted.</p>
<p>I agree with Ladyspark, in the regards that I read the prompt and assumed a text-only submission was suggested, if not required. I blame myself for not hunting earlier, but about 2 weeks after I submitted my application is when I realized I could have sent in a video, my would-be preferred submission of choice.</p>
<p>As for whether the prompt should be changed, I do not think it should be changed at all! I feel like you are asking each applicant to send in a piece of themselves (hopefully not literally.) It provides an outlet for those creative-artsy types of people, but maintains the option of an essay for those kick-butt essay writers. I think if the applicant wants to spend their time and/or money on the submission, that is their prerogative. </p>
<p>In a minor concessionary thought, if the deans feel having written word submissions is easier, then go for it. Applicants are submitting an application to a selective school - they should be willing to write a 500-word essay if they have interest in attending the school.</p>
<p>Just the two cents of a stressed-out senior.</p>
<p>svcarney, your two cents are greatly appreciated. One of the things we’re trying to determine is if we want to explicity state that it should be text only. In the end, students who feel compelled to send something else will likely send it regardless of what our instructions state. The question is how we word our optional and how we talk about it to ensure that students know how to put their best foot forward</p>
<p>I think the prompt is awesome! It allows a student to go in any direction to truly demonstrate a sense of self to the W&M admissions committee. My suggestion is to make it solely text only. The stress I see with this prompt is to ‘top’ other applicants by doing something ‘unique’ instead of showing how unique a student is as a person in writing.</p>
<p>I really liked the prompt! I wrote an essay that I hope showed you my lovable quirks. I will admit that it did cause me a bit of stress wondering what to do. I strongly believe, however, that it is absolutely necessary to make us think long and hard about what truly makes us unique from the other 6.8 billion people in the world. Was it slightly “angsty”? Yes. But with the number of applicants and the tough competition pool, I feel like it has to be in order to produce the great submissions that you should expect from those you accept. Like others said though, you should explicitly state what kind of medium you want and maybe narrow it down to essays and videos. That way, they can VIDEOTAPE the smelly cast!</p>
<p>This essay was my daughter’s favorite. I agree that keeping it text only would reduce stress. The student wants theirs to be the best, but to not only write the script but (maybe) borrow a camera, find other actors, rehearse, record and mail is a lot of work.</p>
<p>Than for the positive feedback and suggestions. We definitely plan to think long and hard about this matter over the summer so as to provide a quirky and thoughtful optional submission prompt that is clear in its intention and provides some parameters</p>
<p>i enjoyed this prompt and felt it was clear…i think it fits w&m well. it did make me take a long hard look at what i felt made me unique and the lack of rules is makes it a bit hard to pinpoint something specifically. keep it as is and if kids wanna send stuff in i think thats fine because the canvas that they choose is the medium that they are using to get that point across…</p>
<p>This prompt is perfect for William and Mary and I personally embraced the lack of direction whole-heartedly.
I created a video that talked about why I’d be a great fit for William and Mary and my own personal accomplishments.
I linked it to YouTube and put the link in the optional submission box on the commonapp. I hope it was received!
The great thing about this prompt was that it allowed prospective students to show the admission officers the “real them” if they chose to dive deep into it!</p>