Approaching Application Supplementary Materials

Webinar Transcription

2021-10-27 Approaching Application Supplementary Materials

[00:00:00] Hi, everyone. Welcome to the CollegeAdvisor’s webinar on approaching applications, supplementary materials. To orient everyone with the webinar timing, we’ll start off with a presentation, then answer your questions in a live Q and a on the sidebar. You can download the slides and you can start submitting your questions in the Q and a tab.

Now let’s meet our panel.

Hi. Um, so I’m Ariana Lee. Um, I graduated Dartmouth college in 2017. Um, I majored in neuroscience, um, and I was pre-med while I was there. Um, I also served as a president, um, Our Dartmouth college chapter for QuestBridge scholarship. Um, so yeah, definitely had a lot of, uh, supplementals I had to complete while I was there.

Well, I’m doing the application process. So [00:01:00] just, okay, well, let’s go ahead and start off with our first poll for the evening. Where are you in the college application process? And while our attendees are answering that area, tell us a little bit about your, your major, what makes you choose the major? Yeah, so, um, I really enjoyed.

I really enjoyed how the brain works, why we do what we do. I’m so very much interested in psychology, but this more science, uh, scientific breakdown of neuroscience, um, In high school. I was always in the hospitals. Uh, I actually worked in the morgue while I was in high school. Wow. Well, yeah, working with, um, actually the neurosurgery department of, um, my local, my local hospital.

Yeah. Yeah. It was fascinating for sure. That’s great. That’s great. Okay. So closing the [00:02:00] poll. So we have about 13% haven’t started. Uh, 29% is still reaching, researching schools, 30% working on their essays, 18% getting their application material together, and 10% almost done. So keep it up. Awesome. It’s a nice mix there.

Yeah, definitely. Awesome. So what supplemental materials can be attached to a college application? Um, so really it depends on what you’re planning to do in school, right? So we always have the standard essays that are included as supplemental material or essays, um, for the college application process, but other things that can be included our research, um, portfolios, um, especially if you’re looking at specific.

Music programs, Gatchell program, anything like that? Um, you would look at including a portfolio or a link to your website. [00:03:00] Another thing to look at are if you’re looking to apply to particular musical programs or, um, or a cinematography or anything like that within the, uh, The performing arts, they may ask for CDs, DVDs or links to your material.

Um, of course this is depending on COVID and the particular restrictions that the school is looking at, they may also ask you to come in for auditions or things of that nature. Um, they may also ask you for additional information, like resumes or even more letters of recommendation, if it’s for a particular scholarship or something of that nature.

Now, some may ask if it says optional, does it mean that I have to do it right? Is it required? What should I do coming from me? I will always say. I do consider the supplemental essays [00:04:00] always to be, um, required. That’s just from me from my standpoint, um, like think of it this way. You are you’re in a sense, turn your applications like a broken mirror, right?

So each team is a part of you as a part of a reflection of you. So if you are missing or not completing to the best ability, um, you are not giving the best image to your missions officer. Um, so also there’s the same thing for entry to particular art or design specific programs. Um, You really want to make sure that you are submitting your audition tapes, portfolios, or audio recordings, and it was entry for BSMB.

They may ask you for, um, particular research or additional required essays to be considered for the appropriate.

Who sees these men who sees the supplemental [00:05:00] materials? Um, that’s an excellent, excellent thing to think about, right. Um, of course your admissions officer is going to read your application and your supplemental material, but also another thing to look at is, um, the particular head of depression. For your specific major, if you are looking at a major that is very competitive or, um, like computer science may be a competitive major at particular schools.

Right. Um, so in that case particular, um, department heads or people appointed to read, um, the supplementary, uh, supplementary essays may be the ones, um, reading that material for you or head of programs like dance theater, um, Particular labs or internships. They may also read your supplemental material to determine if you are given acceptance to those particular programs.

Um, and then also for BSMB you have to remember that even if you are accepted into the program to still be [00:06:00] considered for the BSMD, you have to maintain particular. Particular requirements throughout your time in school to still maintain acceptance to the medical school. And that may come with getting, um, quarterly or annual, um, interviews or check-ins as far as a grade point average,

some tips for creating a wonderful portfolio. Um, so if you are, um, So one thing you should do is consult your admissions advisor that’s for sure. Um, and also like, look at your school, counselor, respective, um, teachers, um, if you’re doing your supplemental essay, It wouldn’t hurt. It. Wouldn’t hurt to get a, um, your English teacher to review it for you.

Uh, if they’re not already bombarded to get your admissions advisor, to look over your essays, um, to see how it sounds, [00:07:00] and also just getting multiple eyes on it, right. To see if the supplemental material that you’re submitting is representative of who you are. And actually, uh, Speaks to what the school is.

Um, the school’s principals. Um, another thing that you should also look at is maybe get your coach, um, your teacher, your, your science teacher, your lab, uh, professor lab, researcher, um, someone else that can also go over your particular materials too. So if you’re submitting lab research, Work with your lab researcher to make sure that you are vocalizing it in the way that it’s supposed to.

Um, that it’s, that is coming off correctly. Um, make sure that you’re not bombarding the supplemental materials with too much information. Um, and then also that it sounds good, right. Um, if you are submitting dance or music recordings or anything of that nature, work with your orchestra teacher or work with your, uh, [00:08:00] Um, your private instructor or whoever you’re working with in that regard, um, get them to listen to it or get them to view your audition tapes or materials if you’re submitting art or sculpture or something of that nature, that’s representative of your artwork or sketchings, same thing.

Okay. Now we’re going to start our next poll. So what grade are you in? What grade are you in? Let’s find out. And then Arieanna, perhaps you want to share it as just like, what was your experience doing your supplements? Yeah. Um, see, I, I personally loved the supplemental essays more than the personal essay more, um, simply because it’s just more straightforward, you know, you, you know, um, the question is pretty straight forward as for a particular major or program or for the school.

You know why you’re [00:09:00] applying to that school, or if you don’t know, you can research that school and fall in love with it and figure out why you want to apply. So it’s just more room there. Nice. Nice. All right. So going back over to the polls, it looks like about 62% of our attendees are in the 12th grade.

So have a good year. We have 1% ninth grade, 5%, 10th grade, 28% 11th grade, and then 4% other, thank you all. Awesome. You have a nice amount of seniors. Awesome.

So that’s excellent. Follow-up to this. Uh, when is it a good time to start thinking about what to submit as supplemental material and assuming for all my seniors out there and those November 1st deadlines, um, it, you should really start submit, you should really start thinking about it immediately. So those ninth graders, 10th graders, [00:10:00] 11th grade, it’s it doesn’t hurt to start thinking about it now, what you want to submit.

Um, So your F if you’re looking at early on decision or regular or rolling admissions, um, just start thinking about, okay, why do I want to go to this school? Start looking up as far as what are some programs that really stand out to you, um, that you can find yourself. Being able to easily speak on. Um, and then also remember supplemental essays are short for a reason, right?

Most of those schools have 150 to 200 word limits and they do that for a reason because they don’t want you to go on and on. And go on a tangent on things. Um, they want you to be concise straight to the point. So that’s what you want to give them. Um, and again, for you seniors out there, it’s okay to have a delayed start to think about what to submit, but you do want to, of course, remember your deadlines.

Um, if you’re having trouble thinking about what to write, what [00:11:00] to draw off your art, if you’re applying for art, um, specific, uh, majored or anything like that. Start brainstorming ASAP, just start writing and thinking, okay, what, what do I want to show? Who am I, what do I want to get across to the admissions reader?

Um, and then of course, most schools have particular traditions, weird, quirky things that make them stand out and be unique. Look up those things. And, um, again, see if those particular qualities aligned to who you are and give a unique perspective of.

Same question kind of right. When’s a good time to start putting these materials together. So ninth, 10th, 11th graders, um, you all can start immediately. So if you are, um, if you are a, in a art or fine arts program that you’re looking to apply to, or if you are looking to, um, start creating your portfolio of art or sketch or photography, Collect [00:12:00] your start collecting your work.

Now start recording yourself. See how you look on camera, see how you, um, you know, start fine tuning particular things that you might want to exhibit to. Um, the admissions officers that might see you. And then senior SA same. If you haven’t started already, or if you already have get somebody else to view it, get some feedback and see if this is what you want to submit.

It’s no me to submit something that is subpar, especially if it’s for the school that you truly, truly want to go to. Um, it’s better to submit your best work possible.

So how can supplemental materials enhance an application? So again, thinking I always go off of metaphors. So forgive me. Um, I always say like the application is in a sense, like a broken picture, a broken mirror of yourself and each portion, whether it be the supplemental, your GPA, [00:13:00] your sat or act score, each part is a piece of this mirror or picture.

And if you don’t give your full or best best of yourself, then you’re giving the admissions officer not a full image of who you are. So make sure when you’re complete writing these essays or submitting these additional materials that is truly representative who you are be genuine. Don’t try to become something that you’re not, and don’t try to force and make yourself, um, don’t overcrowd the supplementals with all of the accomplishments that you’ve done, because then it doesn’t, it’s just bombarding the admissions officers with a bunch of things that they can read off your activity.

So try to be unique, um, and not repeat yourself, um, in these essays.

So [00:14:00] when I’m looking at what supplemental materials, um, might be unwelcome, One, if they do not ask for supplemental materials, please try to avoid and sending supplemental materials. Um, it’s no need in, um, sending them research or, or 50 pages of research for something that they didn’t ask for. They won’t read it.

You would have wasted your time and. Then nobody wins. Right. Um, so try and think of, um, one, do they ask for this too? If they’re asking for an audition tape or something of that or audio recording, um, don’t send them things that go beyond the time limits that they’re asking for. So if they ask for three minute audio clip, don’t send them a 20 minute audio clip.

Cause then the part that they will want to, um, that you would want them to listen to, they might miss out. [00:15:00] So make sure that you’re very concise and specific on what you want to send. Um, I did get a question, but we’re waiting for Q and a, so just apologies on that. Um, and it also makes sure that you’re not sending inappropriate materials.

Uh, again, we’ve seen the gamut of what people may think to include as extra or additional material. Don’t send things or not asked for it. Can’t say that enough. Yeah. I think that adds on to just like, even when the, the coach, the teacher, the person that you have looking over your material, they’ll definitely be a good guide and support to letting you know if the material that you’re discussing is appropriate.

And if it actually is answering the question to absolutely. Oh, another thing. Some schools, supplemental, quiet, uh, essay questions. They may come off vague, right? Like some of them. [00:16:00] I can’t think of off the top of my head, but I’ve seen some very vague, uh, essay questions. If you do run across that, um, try to get a, try to ask your admissions advisor, if possible, or your counselor kind of what, how to interpret it as Google it, if you have neither available.

Um, and she was trying to get some information before answering an essay completely the wrong way, and it comes off off topic.

Um, what makes a student’s supplemental materials stand out, be yourself. That’s the theme here. Just be yourself. Be unique. Um, again, don’t try to sound like someone else because you think that that person is somebody that would be more likely to be accepted into the school. You don’t, there’s no one person for, for any school.

So don’t try to mold yourself into something that. Um, again, don’t bombard with excess information. They have a specify work count for a [00:17:00] reason don’t go over it. Don’t give ’em information on things that they can find in other parts of your essay, uh, of your application. Um, and then also try to think as far as what you’re truly passionate about and, and kind of create that brand or theme for yourself, um, as far as what you want to represent, who you are.

Are the materials that you’re presenting representative of that. And if you’re undecided about a major, which is great, if you are, you should not. I mean, it’s great if you know what you want to do already, but a lot of people don’t. Um, so that’s fine, but kind of think about activities that you’re involved within or something unique about your community or culture or something that you can kind of connect to if you’re having issues and thinking about, um, Why you’re choosing this particular major or if you’re undecided in a major.

Um, so my experience, and I [00:18:00] kind of told you all already, as far as, um, how it was for me when I submitted my supplemental materials, um, I was not as fancy as some of you all might be and submitting for a particular, um, dance or music or art programs or anything like that. Um, however I did, um, I did work in a hospital prior and I did have lab research.

So those were some things that I included, um, in my supplemental materials, as well as spoke about within my essays briefly not to, again, reiterate what was already communicated in my activities page. Um, and then also when submitting lab research, Um, if you have a letter of recommendation that also backs up your lab research, that helps because it legitimizes what you’ve been doing.

Um, versus speaking on your lab research in multiple parts of your application and not having a letter of recommendation from your lab, [00:19:00] it can, it just will help if you have, um, that extra support from, you know, your lab hit, um, let’s see.

And last advice that I would give you all is that if you are submitting material, that includes a link to a YouTube or a website, cannot say this enough, please make sure that the link is correct. It would be. It would be horrible if that is, if that’s what you’re weighing, you know, whether you get into the particular program or scholarship or something like that.

And then they can’t connect to what you’re trying to present. Um, so just make sure to double check it. And then sometimes admissions officers will reach out to the students if possible, to kind of get, um, the correct information.

Um, and then also just make sure. That you avoided writing any [00:20:00] general, general statements, um, putting too much focus on a particular professor’s work if, um, or putting too much emphasis on anything that doesn’t connect with, what the estimate is asking for, or the supplemental materials asking for it.

And then of course avoid stating all of your accomplishments again. Um, can’t say that enough, just avoid doing that at all. Um, yeah, that’s, that’s the best advice that I would give. And do we have any wonderful questions out there? Yeah. So, um, that is the end of the presentation. Part of the webinar. I’ll be found the information helpful, and remember that you can download the slides from the link in the handouts tab.

So now we’re going to move over to the live Q and a. Through your questions that you submitted, [00:21:00] um, as a heads up, if your question and answer tab, isn’t letting you submit questions, just double check that you joined the webinar through the custom link in your email and not from the webinar landing page.

So first question Arieanna you talked about your brand and like kind of have like a theme. Like, can you elaborate a little bit more on like maybe examples of like, what do you mean by a brand? Um, how does that kind of apply to. Yeah, absolutely. Um, so if you are speaking, if you, for example, are, um, a pre-med student and you have, um, lab research and all of this stuff, then you’re kind of creating your brand as this stem student, so to speak.

Um, so to kind of say in your essay that you are now wanting to major within government and don’t speak anything on stem, it kind of sways what your brand. For example, um, especially if all your activities aligned to the stem [00:22:00] research. So just be mindful as far as what image you’re kind of portraying and who you are.

It’s okay. If you’re looking to study multiple things or you have multiple interests, but you’ve kind of created your brand as this as such, and it’ll come off kind of confusing to the reader. Nice. Thank you for sharing. All right, next question. How do you know if your supplement materials are personal and NEF?

Hmm. That’s wonderful question. Um, you should definitely ask, uh, your admissions advisor, coach, teacher, counselor, someone, um, how it kind of comes across. It’s I will admit it’s hard to recognize. You’re writing if, because you’re so deep in the weeds, so to speak that it’s hard to kind of see, and you might think yourself that it’s personal enough, but it’s not, and it doesn’t come across this way.

So you want to get a second [00:23:00] opinion on it and to make sure that you’re coming across the way you intended to. Okay. Uh, next question. How should you decide whether to submit additional materials such as art portfolio, creative writing samples? How are you able to decide that? Um, I’m so sorry. What was the question again?

I repeat again, how should you decide whether to submit additional material? And that is like your art portfolio, our creative writing sample. Yes. Awesome. So, um, one, does it ask for you to submit those materials, um, to, if you are applying to a particular program where they, where it’s optional, but you haven’t really given the full viewpoint of who you are without submitting set materials, then I would say to do so.

Um, if that’s the last piece [00:24:00] of the puzzle, so to speak, that will help push it over and it gets you fully in that yes. Pile. Then you should do that. You should definitely submit on those additional materials. Okay. We have quite a bit of questions, right? So next question is, do slough do supplemental materials that are not relevant to your major, help your application?

That was enough. That’s a good thing. Um, one that was missed in what to avoid. Um, yes. If you are, if you are planning to major in, I don’t know, um, history and you have no intention to, um, to do. Uh, theater program, but your thinking or considering of turning in an audition tape, but you have no intention to actually do a theater program then it’s not needed.

So only apply, only submit materials [00:25:00] to the programs in which you are actually intending to be a part of.

Okay. Let’s see. Do I have less of a chance of getting accepted? If I don’t submit any supplemental material? Um, so no, it just makes, it just puts more weight on everything else that you’ve submitted thus far. Um, so they only consider admissions admissions. Officers will only read and consider what is submitted.

So for example, test scores of test scores are not included. If they’re optional. That doesn’t mean that you have less of a chance of getting in. It just means it’s more weight put on everything else that you’ve been.

Got you. Got you. Okay. So. Just taking a pause on our questions and answers, want to work with a one-on-one with an advisor from our team of over 155 advisors and admission officers sign up for a free [00:26:00] consultation with us by going to CollegeAdvisor.com and clicking the green chat button in the bottom right of the screen from there, just write in consultation and a live team member will get back to you to help coordinate your free consultation with us.

Now back to the Q and a.

All right. So Arianna, I know you said this one asked you a question. Do you want to maybe go answer that? Yeah. Um, so I had, um, someone asked, they play an instrument from an they’re from India. Um, how can they submit their portfolio? So again, every school is not going to require that you submit additional, um, Additional materials or portfolios, but if the particular program that you’re looking at, um, is then you want to submit that if they’re not, then no need to include.

Okay, [00:27:00] great. Um, for the why this school, should we focus on the environment in the specific programs rather than specific professors and I’m a published that question. Awesome. Um, so yes, and yes. And then also the reason why not to focus on specific professor or why I say to avoid it is because it’s no guarantee that the professor is going to be there when you apply.

So I’ve seen, I’ve seen somewhere. Uh, student made their entire why essay on this particular professor. And they didn’t really focus it on what the professor was researching, but why they were so enamored and wanted to study up under this particular professor, the professor ended up leaving, um, due to particular reasons.

And now it comes to the point as far as do you now not want to go to this school because the professor is no longer there. That’s what the admissions officer was concerned. [00:28:00] So that’s just some things to keep in mind when you make it all about the professor and not necessarily what the professors researching or the actual schools, um, environment and programs.

Oh righty. And let’s see, we have quite a bit of questions. So I’m filtering through them accordingly. Uh, A few people ask them questions about letter recommendation or at the start of your presentation, you touched up on letter recommendations. Uh, so do, do you recommend including letter recommendations that are not as strong as you want them to be, and then also, you know, yeah.

We’ll go with that question. Yes. So, um, so for example, if you get a letter of recommendation from someone that you’ve known. A month versus someone that’s known you for three and a half, four years, it’s not going to come across as strong. That’s just what it is. And that’s what it’s going to be [00:29:00] interpreted as, and when you read the letter, I’m sure it’s indicative of that.

Um, so you just want to be mindful and get letters of recommendation from one people who know you and can speak to your growth and the level of, um, character responsibility that you have. Um, Versus getting a bunch of insignificant letters of recommendation that aren’t going to add to your, um, to your.

Yeah. So for our ninth, 10th, 11th grade students make sure that you’re spending time getting to know your teachers so that they can, you know, genuinely and authentically speak about you. You want to make sure that they’re highlighting you in the, in the best way possible. Um, so set up of time to. You know, get to know your teacher or share a little bit with your teacher about your interest so that once you get into your senior year, they feel a little bit more confident in what to share about you and highlighting you the best way.

Absolutely. [00:30:00] Okay. Let’s see. Let me go back to the Q and a, uh, do.

What, if we, let me see, what if we don’t have as much demonstrated interest as getting read, like, as doing like research. So perhaps for the student who, you know, is maybe going into the science, but they haven’t done any research. What kind of your recommendations for that student? Absolutely. Um, well, you all have a huge disadvantage with COVID and that’s just, it’s just nothing that can be done about that.

Right. Um, so since when I was applying, versus when you’re applying. Completely different circumstance. Um, so lab research is not expected. It’s understood that you wouldn’t have lab research. So instead of that, what are ways that you can do, um, that you can compensate for that? Can you do volunteer work?

Can you, um, can you do your own self-initiated [00:31:00] project? Can you work with your, um, maybe your chemistry or biology teacher to study a particular thing that you might’ve had? Interesting. Um, are you a part of your school site, Olympiad, science, Olympia team, or, you know, particular things that you can do to kind of make up for not being to get lab research experience.

Nice. Alrighty. So this question is if I’m not sure what my major is, what supplemental materials should I say? Awesome. Um, so for that, I know a lot of schools ask why this major, um, within, for their supplementals, um, that will be something that you kind of expound further in there that you are still undecided, but here are where my interests lie.

Here are some things that I’ve participated in that I would like to continue to participate in. Gain knowledge, as far as what I want to do in the future, what I want to major in, um, supplemental materials, [00:32:00] you don’t have to include portfolios or anything else such as that if you’re not applying to those programs.

Okay. All right. Going back through the questions and answers, uh,

Apologies. If I’m talking too fast it’s force of habit. No, no, you’re good. You’re good. And then I’m also like the questions are popping up and then they disappear. So I’m like looking through them accordingly to make sure we don’t duplicate anything. Let’s see.

Someone asked a question about just like, kind of going on to the research, like, what is what’s considered research? Is that like, can you, is shadowing also, like if you shadow someone, is that also considered research? Um, Technically, no, but it’s good to include them. [00:33:00] Like, I would still include that you were able to shadow particular doctors or something.

It’s good to include that because it’s showing that you took an initiative to make up for what you couldn’t do. So you might not have been able to do lab research, but instead I was able to shadow X, Y, Z. Okay. This one is kind of more like logistics. Um, I’ve seen this question pop up a few times in our Q and a, um, can I submit my supplements twice if I happen to make a mistake in the first one?

So I press submit. Am I able to go back and change it? Okay. I would definitely get in contact or email, um, the admissions at the particular school. Some schools are more understanding than not, and they’ll. You might be able to submit your, um, supplemental through them, the correct one that you intended.

However, try try the first time to avoid any error. That would be of course. [00:34:00] Okay. Yes, definitely. I think that’s where the teacher counselor brand, that’s supporting you with your application, having them look at it, um, just to make sure that you are submitting the best version, um, so that you don’t have to try to find someone to resubmit it.

Um, okay. Next question. A student asks, um, what are some biggest kind of like the kind of tips around like what you should not do, like biggest, they kind of frame it like big as no-nos, um, as it relates to the supplements or even thinking about that. Why school? A supplemental question that comes up frequently?

Yeah. Um, the, again, one of the biggest things that I’ve seen happen is just. They, the students will try to fit in all their accomplishments within the 150 word [00:35:00] essays, um, or try to fit in as far as like why I’m such a good fit for the school. Just be sure to kind of frame it as your school offers these programs that your school, um, is more these opportunities.

Um, I’ve been, I’ve been looking or studying, um, Or researching these programs since I was young or whatever the case might be. Just make it personal, make it a personal aspect of who you are. Um, and if you, again, if you don’t know why you want to apply to this school, maybe it’s a safety or something of that nature, research the school and find out what programs you are interested in or could be interested in and write into, write about those.

Great. Great. Great. Yeah, that’s my main, thank you for sharing that. Uh, next question is how can we tie the supplemental material with our essay? As I know you [00:36:00] touched upon that a little bit earlier around like your common app essay, like should students be tying that to the supplemental material? What’s your, what’s your take?

I, I personally would not. I would consider them two different, um, essays. I’ve seen students, um, tie them to each other. However, the thing can get lost. It can get muddled as, um, the reader goes from one essay to another. So don’t try to keep with the theme of the sky is blue. This is why it’s important to me.

And then go into your supplemental essay, trying to. Put that same theme in there. Again, you have 150 to 200 words, be concise. Um, just avoid doing that. Okay. Um, we have the questions they keep coming. Arieanna uh, you’re doing great though, with answering the questions and been so informative, the information that you’re sharing with everyone.

I wish I had you. When I was [00:37:00] applying to colleges, I felt like I would have been a little bit more. I quit. I would have felt a little bit more confident, uh, getting ready to tackle those, those supplements. So next question is, is the content more important in supplemental essays or is the style of writing more important?

Of course, the content, um, The content is always the most important. However, if the style of writing is confusing or something of that nature, then the content can get lost. So in a sense, they are both very important. Um, you just want to make sure that. The way that you write the salad writing can be understood.

So that’s what, that’s where those additional readers come into play. You want to make sure that multiple people can understand what you’re saying and that it flows good. And [00:38:00] that the content is representative of who you are. Yes, definitely. That’s a good ending point. Is that it’s representative of who you are.

I know in my, in my experience working with, with students, it’s kind of a natural reaction to go with like, well, what do they want to hear the admission officer when he was like, they want to know about you. Right? And sometimes students will spend a lot of time, like going back and forth and thinking like, okay, I just want to make sure I’m sharing the best message to them.

It’s like the best message is gonna be. About you? Absolutely. So that’s always, that’s a great reminder to students is making sure you’re writing it about, about you. Uh, next question. Uh, I want to thought, I, I thought I had posted it, but. Go back to it. And just wondering, like, Ariana’s like, you know, any, any kind of takeaways you’ve seen so far in the college application process, like working with seniors, um, that you want to share with our attendees today as [00:39:00] they’re approaching their supplements.

Yeah. Um, so a lot of times, uh, And this is coming from a former procrastinator, former slash sometimes current procrastinator. Um, just be mindful that if the deadlines are approaching and you are still having trouble with coming up with what to write, you have to be, you have to be mindful that regardless of whether, you know, once the deadline.

That’s what it is. So if you can’t, if you still are having issues, submitting it, then maybe consider a different, um, maybe not doing early. Maybe you submit in regular decision. If you’re going to submit something as subpar, um, or if you can meet with your counselor, your admissions advisor, you meet with your CollegeAdvisor and kind of go through as far as.

What should I be writing about what am I missing here? Don’t wait till the actual deadline to start writing your [00:40:00] essays, because then you risk not having anybody to read it over. You’re submitting something that is not representative of who you are and then you risk rejection. Yes. And we don’t, we don’t want the last part.

No at all. We’re definitely not. And then, yeah, like just starting now. So for seniors, if you haven’t, if you haven’t thought about your supplements, that might be your activity for tonight is, you know, thinking about those subs, especially if you’re planning to apply, you know, early action or early decision, which that deadline is coming up rather soon.

Um, let’s see some more questions, I guess, Ariana, they continue to keep coming in and I’m not sure if you can see the question masters too. So if you want to. Take on, feel free to do so.

Oh, that’s an interesting one. Um, what should I do? Should I post it? Yeah, [00:41:00] you can publish it or just read out loud. Okay. Um, it was, what are some things like you would consider, um, submitting for supplemental for culinary school? I don’t know if I ready exactly how it was. Um, but that’s an interesting question.

Um, that is one that I would look on the actual schools, uh, you know, supplemental and see kind of what they suggest. I honestly, I have not had much experience with culinary school. I liked that though. Perhaps, maybe, um, what I’m assuming like recipes or maybe, um, do you submit food SAP? I’m unsure. What that, do you have any, any feedback on that?

Like, do you have any experience with culinary? I don’t, I don’t. Um, but I will say like, if you are applying to culinary school, like you want to connect it to your, to your passion, to your drive, [00:42:00] like, you know, what’s the why behind your, why are you applying to this particular institution? What is it about like culinary arts that gets you excited, you know, connecting it to the, to the school.

So if you’re applying to culinary, You don’t want to talk about a topic that is all the way different from coroners, because essentially they are really trying to just assess the passion and the drive that you have for this particular, uh, major that’s. That would be kind of like my recommendations.

That’s pretty good one. Yeah. Okay. Let’s see. Any other questions area that you might skim through and see that’s worth asking out loud. I know some of them have been duplicates that we we’ve answered.

Okay. Awesome. Um, so I’ll read this one. Um, I’m interested in pursuing music related minors in college, and I actively [00:43:00] sing and play guitar. I’m a complete master of singing techniques or playing, um, music. However, Which is why I’m, why something I like to pursue in college. Should I put time into showcasing my music skills for my supplemental materials, even if I’m not a fully polished musician?

Um, I would say with that, yes, because you’re intending to actually go into a music program. So perhaps, um, again, work with someone, a music teacher, or if you have a, um, a private instructor. Work with them. So that way you can showcase what you best have to offer. I would still submit that if I was you.

Yeah. Great, great response. Um, this one’s kind of going back to the why S and then we kind of covered it in different ways. Um, but what, what are, what are the best ways to establish a clear fit through the supplemental [00:44:00] essays besides like the specific, wow. Essay. So basically a student wants to like really showcase it.

Like I’m, I’m a good fit for this school. Um, are there ways that they can continue to incorporate that throughout the supplement? Yeah. Um, so again, researching those school specific traditions, uh, principals, um, kind of just like what the school stands by. And then showcasing maybe past experiences that you had that directly, um, link to those particular principles of.

Or traditions that really stand out to you, maybe things that you’ve done, um, that aligned to a specific program that’s available at that school that just helps showcase like, Hey, I’ve been doing things that your school values, I’m the perfect fit for your school. Now pick me, put me in your yes. Pile because I would be a student that will continue to add this value to your establishment.[00:45:00]

Okay. Great. Great. And just kind of thinking about the number of, of supplements, um, on average, like if I’m applying to a college or university, how many supplements do I have to write? Does it vary? Yeah. So, um, of course they’re schools that require zero or have zero even as optional. Um, don’t all go looking at those schools at once.

And then there are schools that have up to three, four or five supplementals. If you’re applying to a specific honors college or scholarships, you’re adding more and more supplementals to, um, to, right. So again, keep that in mind. Um, The earlier the better, that way you can just already list out, okay. These are the schools that I’m most prioritized.

These are the schools that are new, the earliest. Let me write out all the supplementals that are due on programs that I want to apply to and get those out the way.[00:46:00]

Great. And then, um, what you just kind of shared about the optional. So optional means I really don’t have to do it or. What’s your take. This is true. So you don’t have to do the optional. If you feel like your application is giving the best perspective of you, if you’re at the deadline and you have no other time and you feel like you would be submitting a subpar, a supplemental essay, then perhaps you don’t do the optional.

However, what I would, the other voice on the side of the shoulder saying, please submit your supplemental as the supplemental optional essay. Um, try to if possible, um, just because it’s going to add an extra perspective of who you are, if CA if you can. Okay. How about when it asks? Like, is there anything else you want [00:47:00] to share with us, but they leave it as an app?

Yeah, that’s not to me. That’s not necessary. Um, unless you really have something to say, like if there’s, um, if you didn’t have enough room to include in your, um, And your activity section or within your application, if there was just something else that you really feel like is important and representative who you are to include then by all means include it.

However, I think there’s already a section within the common app in the essay portion and additional information section that asks for additional information. Um, so I wouldn’t go too crazy. And those types of questions. Okay. And this is kind of reiterating kind of the theme of the presentation today. Um, so someone just asked, like, so basically, um, supplementaries are just extra things you would add when applying.

So this is kind of [00:48:00] going back over. The overall kind of message. Around supplemental material. What is it? Yes. So, um, supplemental is anything extra, so to speak, you have your application, you have your personal essay. Um, your extrovert supplementals are the additional for the school specific, um, or major specific, um, questions.

Um, They can include, uh, audition tapes, uh, music, audio recordings, um, portfolio sketches to your website, um, architectural design, anything at all that they might require for that specific major or ask for those are supplemental materials. Okay. And then someone just asked, um, just around kind of like music supplements or if a student needs to find like any guidelines around, like how to approach their supplements, any resources that you would [00:49:00] recommend, or the place that a student should go to to just understand, like, what is a part of the supplement or what the supplement is?

For music specifically or in general? In general? Yeah. Um, Google, no. Um, no, but truly, if you, again, if you’re unsure about what the question is asking, or even just trying to get inspiration ideas, you can ask your advisor, you can ask, um, a counselor or work with, you know what I mean? Um, you can go that route first.

You can also Google it and research it and kind of see. See kind of different takes on the, um, on the supplemental question from the actual university, more than likely they will also have a breakdown of what they’re asking for. Um, that would be the best way is try to find it on the university’s page.

Mm, okay. So that kinda just was going into the question I was going to ask around, like, you know, where do you specifically find the supplemental [00:50:00] material? So if I’m interested in going into a particular. College. Where were the places that the supplement is going to show up? Hmm, yeah. Yep, absolutely. Um, the university’s page is your number one go-to spot.

Um, they, more than likely will even give you a breakdown as far as what they mean for the question, in some cases, um, as well as what materials they’re looking for for a particular programs that you might be. Okay. And then what about the length? How long are supplements? Typically a hundred to 250 words for essays, for audio recordings or video or visual recordings.

You’re looking at three minute clips. Um, and then of course, for portfolios, they may ask, uh, for like 10 pictures or they may ask for a link to your website and they might browse it at their.

Okay. [00:51:00] And then when I’m writing about my, my supplements, um, should I include like scholarships or other honorable mentions that I received only if this is, so this is not included within your, um, application already. If you have not included that, then you should include it in your additional information section.

It’s the question did not specifically ask for it and you bombard them with everything that you’ve achieved, which is wonderful, but it’s not necessary and it will derail your mission’s reader and you don’t want that. So just that. Relegates where it is. Yeah. Okay. Yeah, definitely. And that’s what you have the activities list for as well.

So you want to make sure that use your activities list to really highlight. Your, your scholarships, your honorable mentions, your work experience, your volunteer experience. You want each part of the application that be able to [00:52:00] showcase a different part of you. So you don’t want that mission reader to read something that they’ve already read about.

Cause they’re reading lots of applications. So when they get to that supplement, you want to be able to showcase something different and something new about yourself. Absolutely. Okay. Arieanna look, I know we’re getting, we’re getting very close to the end of our presentation, so we might have enough time for like maybe two to three more questions.

I’m not sure if you see anything in the chat box that you would like to answer.

Let’s see.

Should I create a LinkedIn account? Uh, You know, I’ve seen, I have seen one or two applications. I actually asked for LinkedIn, um, which was unique to me. Um, you don’t have to, however, it is good to have a LinkedIn account when going into [00:53:00] college. I believe so, because it’s a way to kind of organize everything that you’ve done.

Um, and it’s just, it’s just going to be important to have, as you enter your professional career space.

That’s a good one. Um, that’s actually a great point about having a LinkedIn. So if you don’t, you know, that’s a part of even how Ariana talked about your brain. So even creating a LinkedIn page is a way to publicly showcase your brand, showcase the things that you’re passionate about, that you have interest in and, and various like work experience.

Um, so I know LinkedIn typically is like a professional networking website, but it is a great opportunity to showcase the interests that you have to absolutely. Well, I see a C1 here. Um, I’m writing for my son. He’s hoping to go into 3d animation, but also plays the trumpet very well. I’ve heard that he only needs to show 60 seconds of his playing.

Should we really only send a 62nd video? Yes. If they [00:54:00] ask for 60 seconds, then you send them 60 seconds and that’s it always stick to what is asked, asked, um, versus trying to fit in all his wonderful plans. You just showcase it within the time allotment that is given for you?

Um, sorry. One more kind of looks interesting. Realistically, are there themes slash brands that particularly grabbed the attention of reviewers?

Are there particular brands or things that grab the attention of yours? Uh, yes. Just as if you were picking up a book and you’re reading that back page of the book. I don’t know. Maybe it’s just me, but there are some things that make me continue to read on and there are others that do not, that’s just what it is.

However, um, not to say that you have to mold yourself into these typical eye catching or. You know, [00:55:00] um, typical themes you don’t have to, but it is ones that are more, um, we’ll keep the, keep the reader reading, and those are usually ones with more imagery and more uniqueness to it. Okay. Uh, how about this question right here will adding supplements not specific to my major, be distracting or show my other talents slash show well-rounded.

So again, um, those supplements that are usually asking for music clips or drawings or something of that nature, they’re usually for those particular majors or programs, if you, if you include them, they may not be reviewed at all. Unless they’re specifically asked, asked for, then I wouldn’t waste my time to include them.

You still can join those particular programs. Once you’re at school, you can [00:56:00] still join those particular clubs or activities that you love to be involved in. Once you actually get admitted into the school. Great. Um, Ariana, in your experience. Have you supported students who are applying to honors programs.

And if so, like, are there any tips that you can, um, share with our audience in regards to applying to honors programs as it relates to supplements? Yeah, absolutely. Um, so the. The honors programs that my students had mostly been applying to were stem or they were stem majors. Um, so a lot of them did include, um, or talk about their research within their particular supplement.

But that is because the question directly asked as far as what their research, um, how their research kind of would, um, fit or. Or inspired them to apply to this particular school or how could the school further their own research, uh, experiences. Um, so in that [00:57:00] case, you can talk more about your research, which is great.

It’s wonderful. Um, but you still want to be concise because there is more than likely a 250 word limit maximum or something of that. Okay. Great. Great. And then I think we have time for just one more question. Just any advice for our ninth and 11th grade students as they are thinking about the college application process in the near future.

Yes, absolutely. Um, start bookmarking and keeping tabs of everything that you’ve been doing. Um, just that way it’s already. Organized easy to, you know, easy to understand. Once you do start to apply to those, um, to your schools, your senior year, um, also like, um, Lani said started making those relationships with, um, with particular teachers, um, or internships or anything like that, it will help build your brand, so to speak, um, and have those letters of recommendation [00:58:00] gleaming.

By the time you applied. Great. Like I said, I wish that I, I wish I had you when I was a applied college as you and me for me is you? Absolutely. Well, um, so I’m going to move into our next. Slide, um, which it is. Thank you, um, for everyone coming out tonight and thank you. Arieanna for your, um, information that you share with our audience.

It was rather informative. And thank you for, um, answering all the questions that we had tonight. Chorus. Yes, of course. It was wonderful. And I’m wishing you all tons of luck in your college career. Or college application process, I should say. Yes. Yes, absolutely. Um, so as an exclusive offer to all webinar attendees, be sure to mention code in H S at your free [00:59:00] consultation to receive 10% off of any package.

So I’m gonna give everyone a few seconds if they want to scan the code.

All right. So that is the end of the webinar. We had a really great time telling you about supplemental materials. Here’s the rest of our November series. Thank you all again for joining us. And that concludes our revenue, our webinar for this evening. Good one. Y’all.