Would Sending a Creative Writing Portfolio Help my Chances of Getting Admitted?

Applying to College
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<p>I've seen that a few colleges recommend prospective students to send a portfolio/tape of what they consider their best work. I hope to major in journalism/photojournalism/creative writing and I was wondering if sending a few of my pieces would work to my advantage. I recently purchased a few binders, sheet covers, and craft supplies, which I plan on using to design the exterior of my portfolio. I enjoy creative work, and I thought that maybe the admissions office would be able to see my aesthitic values through the portfolio case and interior poetry and photos. </p>

<p>Do you think this would be a good idea?</p>

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<p>Bump…</p>

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<p>Ugh…I guess what I’m asking is whether the portfolio would be overkill.
Any opinions???</p>

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<p>I don’t think it would hurt, especially if you are applying to somewhere competitive. I am considering doing something similar.</p>

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<p>Thanks for answering! Yes, I’d probably send a copy to my reach schools: Princeton, Columbia, UPenn, possibly NYU, etc.</p>

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<p>I’m not sure if decorated portfolios are the way to go - I think the portfolio should look professional, as the work inside is what is supposed to impress.</p>

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<p>^^^I thought of that too, but then reasoned that a portfolio ornately decorated would express my individuality as an applicant. I’m not sure what I’d be better off doing anymore, though. :-/</p>

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<p>BUMP, again. :-)</p>

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<p>Check the school’s admission sites as to whether they would accept, let alone want such a portfolio. Imagine that you are part of an admissions committee having to read, evaluate and discuss in excess of 20,000 applications; how pleased would you be to get additional reading material not called for or encouraged by the admission department?</p>

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<p>I see your point. Hm…</p>

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<p>I’d say absolutely on the portfolio! Don’t make it too long, because adcoms don’t have all the time in the world (don’t irritate them!), but I’m sure they’d love to see evidence of your extracurricular writing.
However, I’d steer clear of a decorated binder. It’s a bit gimmicky, like “look over here!” Illustrate your creativity through the writing!</p>

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<p>are your pieces published?</p>

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<p>You might want to check each school’s policy before you submit supplementary materials. Some schools (ie. Stanford) discourage it.</p>

<p>This might be helpful-- it’s from Yale’s undergrad admissions site:</p>

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<p>Thank you, concretejungle; that was really helpful :-)</p>

<p>Magman: some of my pieces have been published…would I state that underneath each poem?</p>