<p>Just curious.</p>
<p>Like not an in-your-face-I'm-so-awesome portfolio, just a few pieces that would give them an idea of my voice and the ideas I'm trying to express through my writing?</p>
<p>Of course there's also an essay--But the portfolio would be more fiction/poetry oriented.</p>
<p>Just wondering. Thanks. :)</p>
<p>I would ask at the interview. They will have quite a few samples of your writing just with the application. Exeter, for example, doesn’t even require a graded paper from school. I think at SPS, it is optional.</p>
<p>Ask the admissions people. but generally they will not say no. Do not bury them, but if you think it is integral to you, include it.</p>
<p>I see, thank you.</p>
<p>Another option that might really make your uniqueness stand out would be to find a way to incorporate your voice/fiction/poetry into your essays–I love it when my students take one of my questions and find a way to “own” it in their writing.</p>
<p>Yes. Yes yes YES, in my experience. But only if writing is one of your central interests- if it isn’t, then I agree with Winterset that a portfolio may bury the admission officers. However…!</p>
<p>I’m pretty sure my writing portfolio and essays were what made me stand out and ultimately what got me in. See, I didn’t (don’t) have straight A’s and I never mentioned my sport in the app since I played it outside of school. Portfolio-wise, I sent four pieces of different styles in a neat binder to each school. If you’re passionate about writing, send one too! It helps LOADS, especially since writing is this fishy hobby that isn’t measured like sports or music. </p>
<p>Hope this helped =D!</p>
<p>Thanks for the advice. :'D</p>
<p>Writing/creative writing really is my central focus and what I hope to pursue further if accepted to a boarding school, so I think that a portfolio might be important.</p>
<p>My son sent one as well, and it was welcomed by all the four schools he applied to. I think it shows your interest and they like to get additional materials that may not be covered by the application.</p>
<p>redbluegoldgreen, do you know what kinds of writing your son put into his portfolio? (:</p>
<p>I’m unsure of which kinds of writing to submit to the school…I’m thinking 4 pieces of so: one abstract philosophical piece, a classic short story (human nature), poetry…but I don’t know at the moment.</p>