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Additional Information and Supplementals – Should You Send Any?

First, it’s important to distinguish between required supplementals and optional supplementals. Obviously, if supplemental information is required you should submit it!

Examples of Required Supplements:

1. Some schools require supplemental essays. These essays are typically short and in response to a specific prompt. Make sure you complete all supplemental essays – and put just as much effort into them as you do into your main essay!
2. If you are applying to a performing or fine arts major, you may be required to submit a portfolio or other evidence of talent. This could include digital files of artwork, recording of a recital, a separate audition, etc. For these, follow the directions carefully – make sure you are sending the right kind of materials to the right person.

Examples of Optional Supplements:

1. Portfolios or proof of talent if they are not asked for.
   For these, consider if they are worth the risk. Remember that admissions officers have a limited amount of time per applicant, so you don’t want to overload them with material that they didn’t ask for. A very strong portfolio of artwork could help enhance your activities resume – but weaker pieces may have admissions officers wondering if your time could have been spent more productively elsewhere.
2. The additional information section on the common app
   First, remember that this section is not required. More is not always better – if you’re struggling to think of anything to put here, you are likely better off leaving it blank. However, this can be a great place to expand on a specific extracurricular or allow your personality and energy to come through. If you’re going to let your personality shine through here, make sure it has a purpose and is done well. Being memorable can be a double edged sword! No matter what, make sure to give the condensed version of events. This is not the place to write a second common app essay
3. Additional letters of recommendation
   If you are going to add an additional letter of recommendation that wasn’t required, make sure it serves a specific purpose. Don’t add a letter from one more teacher if it will simply cover the same or similar ground to the required one. Make sure that your additional letter covers new information about you that wouldn’t come through in your required letters.

Above all, the decision of whether to send additional supplements is a personal one that only you can make. Keep the overall picture of your application in mind. Remember that more is not always better – but standing out from the crowd and having your personality shine through in an application can have a huge impact.