For the past four summers I have been writing, designing, editing, and publishing a biweekly 6-page newsletter for my extended family. I also create a website for the newsletter with photos and articles. Since I have 20+ cousins, and 10+ aunts and uncles scattered all over New York State, it’s a way to keep everyone informed on family news, births, etc. Would it be wise to mention my work in a college application, and perhaps send along a copy or two of the best editions? Keep in mind I am looking towards a career in journalism.
<p>Can't hurt, but it won't be a big help. It just looks "cute" I think</p>
<p>can you post the website? Im intrested in seeing what it looks like.</p>
<p>Probably not, unless it is really really well done. If it'd impress a person who has a career in journalism, then can't hurt. Otherwise, I wouldn't mention it unless you have nothing better to write about.</p>
<p>It might be worth putting on your application. It does look cute and it certainly won't hurt, but it won't tip you in either. If you spend a significant amount of time on it, you might just put it on your list of activities. Actually, since you do it over the summer, you can mention it if they ask you to summarize your recent summer activities...</p>
<p>I've taught journalism in college, and what you're describing is something that would impress journalism faculty. What you're doing is exactly what people do who have printer's ink in their blood. It's a bitg responsibility and I am sure has taught you a lot about writing and editing. It's also a nice example of what it's meant by pursuing one's passion. I suggest that you enclose a copy of your best newsletter with your application. Do this if the places that you're applying to don't forbid sending extra things like this.</p>
<p>Just wanted to say thanks to all that replied...I can't really post the website because it has some addresses on it and someone in my family might end up being mad at me (not that I distrust CC posters)...I still have another summer before application time, but was just wondering since I was browsing this site while working on the paper. Yes, it's a lot of work -- but I enjoy it. Quick question...when you say that it will look "cute" do you mean it in a way that will make the adcoms smile and say "that's nice" or in a way that will make them look at me as someone immature, too much time on their hands, etc. I would probably list it as a "hobby" or "out of school e.c." if I did wind up mentioning it. Thanks again! And if anyone else has any feedback....feel free to post!</p>
<p>It will not look "cute." It will look impressive. The website/newsletter is an excellent example of a student's having a demonstrated passion. I know this because I have been a faculty member in a college journalism program. </p>
<p>It will not appear that you have too much time on your hands. It will appear that you are a motivated, creative person with strong interests.</p>
<p>What makes students appear to have too much time on their hands is when they spend their entire summers playing video games or watching TV or just hanging out.</p>
<p>Northstarmom is right...it shows alot of discipline to create your own deadlines and stick to them, and a newsletter is something that will show that you spend your time on a hobby that you not only enjoy, but that still supports writing skills and a future in journalism/writing/or even publishing.</p>
<p>PS: How would one explain this type of EC on an application, when you only have a line or two to list? You can't give something like this justice by just writing in "Editor/Composer of Newsletter" -- that could mean anything, and this seems to take a bit more then just typing up a quick one-page publication.</p>
<p>Son does a personal website (lots of writing and discussion) and he has a paying job this fall as one of his school's bloggers. He didn't put it on his resume but it came up later on. Just let them know what you can do!</p>
<p>This is what the student should say: "For four summers, I have been writing, designing, editing, and publishing a biweekly 6-page newsletter for my extended family. I also create a website for the newsletter with photos and articles. " </p>
<p>If there's not space on the application for all of that, the OP should say, "For for summers, have published a 6-page biweekly summer newsletter." See attachment. The attachment can include the newsletter and an activities sheet saying what I put in the first paragraph.</p>
<p>When my older S applied to college, he was sports editor of a weeky community newspaper, and was responsible for writing, designing, photography, etc. He provided info in a way similar to what I suggest for you.</p>
<p>I agree with northstarmom all the way on this, definately include it.</p>