<p>Or STRONGLY discourage it? would they work against the applicant, even if it is a legitimate piece of information, like a research manuscript that cannot be shown in the application elsewhere?</p>
<p>I think it’s because they don’t want to read all that extra information. They have a lot of apps to read, so seeing “research” written in the ECs is enough. They don’t need to know everything and everything because then reading all those apps would take like…so long.</p>
<p>As an admissions director explained it to me:</p>
<p>“We don’t like unrequested supplementary materials for the same reason we don’t like complicated gimmick essays. Making your application take longer to review is disrespectful not only to us, but to the other applicants as well.”</p>
<p>If your research is very high caliber, it can/will be reflected in your recommendations, essay and awards.</p>
<p>but what if it is a project u want to continue in their university? what sort of supplementary IS acceptable, then?</p>
<p>anybody find this distressing? especially like ur missing out a chance? sighs.</p>
<p>amarkov wrote:</p>
<p>As an admissions director explained it to me:</p>
<p>“We don’t like unrequested supplementary materials for the same reason we don’t like complicated gimmick essays. Making your application take longer to review is disrespectful not only to us, but to the other applicants as well.”</p>
<hr>
<p>Now on one hand, I get this. But at the same time, I’m deeply troubled by the attitude that comes across. “Disrespectful” in this context suggests to me self-importance, a disregard for the consequence of admissions decisions, and a lack of decency that ought to accompany someone who holds their position is such high esteem. So, yes, I find that particular answer distressing. (Please note, I’m responding to the message, not the messenger.)</p>
<p>One would think that in this day and age, when admissions decisions are frequently assessments of razor-thin differences, an admissions officer would welcome a reason to distinguish one candidate from another. (I can hear the keyboards clicking now - “But if everyone sent …”) Sure. If everyone did… But everyone doesn’t. And universities truly miss out on the potentially great if they toss a potentially groundbreaking research manuscript in the trash bin.</p>
<p>Now that I’m off the soapbox, if this is research you intend to continue in college, perhaps this is something you might discuss with people at the college/university. I would try to connect with someone in your intended field of study and see if yo ucan develop that connection. A professor or researcher might be able to spend far more time (and more thoughtful and competent time) reviewing things and might be able to suggest an avenue to work things in.</p>
<p>Another method would be to write your essay on the topic - see if you can summarize things in an appropriate length essay and make it really catchy - and in the body of the essay note that you’re sending the full manuscript for further review if the office deems it appropriate. That might be obsequious enough for the adcom ego. (Oops, there I go again.)</p>
<p>A further digression:</p>
<p>“Disrespectful” to other applicants? Puh-lease. Which ones? The ones with unreported suspensions? The ones that pad their EC’s? The ones that are absentee vice-presidents of 4 clubs?</p>
<p>OP, you actually DID something. Shout it from the rooftops!</p>