The “Optional” Application Pieces: When Should You Submit Art Supplements, Research Abstracts, or Extra Essays?
College applications often have “optional” pieces. Art supplements, research abstracts, extra essays – should you send them? Submitting these can boost your application. But they can also hurt it. This article will help you decide. We will look at when to submit art supplements, research abstracts, and more. Learn to make smart choices!
The Golden Rule: Quality Over Quantity
Before you submit anything extra, remember this: Quality is key. Colleges want to see your best work. Sending weak materials will hurt your chances. Only submit something if it is truly exceptional. Is it better than what’s already in your application? If the answer is no, don’t send it.
Art Supplements: Showcasing Your Talent
Art supplements are for visual or performing arts students. They show your artistic abilities.
- When to Submit: If you are applying to an art program. If art is a major part of who you are. If your portfolio is high-quality and demonstrates skill.
- What to Include: Your best work. A variety of pieces that showcase your range. Clear descriptions of each piece.
- Examples: A portfolio of paintings, a video of a dance performance, recordings of your music.
If you aren’t applying to an art program, consider skipping this. Only include it if your art is truly exceptional and relevant to your application.
Research Abstracts: Demonstrating Academic Prowess
Research abstracts show your academic abilities. They highlight your research experience.
- When to Submit: If you have done significant research. If your research is relevant to your major. If you made meaningful contributions to the project.
- What to Include: A concise summary of your research. The research question, methods, and findings. Your role in the project.
- Important: Make sure your abstract is well-written. It must be easy to understand. Have a teacher or mentor review it.
Submitting a weak or poorly written abstract can hurt your application. Only submit a college research abstract if you are proud of the work.
Extra Essays: Filling in the Gaps (Carefully!)
Some colleges allow you to submit extra essays. Use these to share information that’s not already in your application.
- When to Submit: If you have a unique story to tell. If you want to explain something in your application. If you want to demonstrate your writing skills.
- What to Write About: Overcoming a challenge. A unique perspective on a topic. Your passion for a specific subject.
- Important: Don’t repeat information. Don’t write about something trivial. Don’t use it as a substitute for the main essay.
When Not to Submit: Red Flags to Watch For
Sometimes, submitting optional materials is a bad idea. Avoid submitting if:
- The quality isn’t high: Weak materials hurt your application.
- It’s not relevant: Irrelevant materials waste the admissions committee’s time.
- It repeats information: Repeating information shows a lack of creativity.
- You’re just trying to impress: Be authentic. Colleges can spot insincerity.
Final Checklist: Is It Worth Sharing?
Before you submit any optional piece, ask yourself:
- Is this my best work?
- Does it add something new to my application?
- Is it relevant to my goals?
- Have I had it reviewed by someone I trust?
If you can answer yes to all these questions, then go ahead and submit it. If not, it’s best to skip it. Make smart choices to boost your chances of acceptance!
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