Can I submit something creative I made?

QuantumArbiter · 10-23-2009, 11:06 PM

{Title says it all}

Is it possible for this year's app?

Mikalye · 10-24-2009, 07:33 AM

Yes and no,
If its a visual arts portfolio, then the answer is yes.
If its a CD of your music (performed or composed), then the answer is yes.

In either of these cases, the portfolio will be sent out to the relevant department for analysis and for a report. (Course 4 for visual arts, course 21M for Music). See the relevant section on the MIT admissions webpage for porfolio submission (MIT Admissions: The Freshman Application - Submitting a Portfolio)

If it is something else, then the answer is maybe. If you have say a detailed labanotation (the written form of dance choreography) of a Swan Lake you choreographed, then the chances are likely that MIT will be able to have it reviewed, but you will need to contact the admissions office to arrange that. If you have a performance art piece that involves setting yourself on fire in the New York Subway while playing the ukulele and yodeling, then it seems highly unlikely that the admissions office will be able to review that in any meaningful way, but contact them by all means.

k4r3n2 · 10-24-2009, 02:01 PM

I agree - what is it? It's kind of hard to judge whether something's acceptable / feasible / productive to include with your application unless you tell us what it is.

QuantumArbiter · 10-25-2009, 02:37 AM

Um, its a board game that I made. Making board games is a past time activity which stems from my interest in chess. I make tactical board games, and I thought I could send MIT one.

PiperXP · 10-25-2009, 04:33 AM

^ That's awesome.

QuantumArbiter · 10-26-2009, 09:08 PM

So...I can send it yes? I guess its technically a visual arts kinda thing..dunno...I guess I should try contacting them.

dementedwombat · 10-26-2009, 11:57 PM

I say go for it. I also build games for fun, never got one to a state where I'd feel comfortable showing it off though. Right now I'm working on a squad scale wargame/RPG hybrid.

Nice to see I'm not the only one who does stuff like this.

QuantumArbiter · 10-27-2009, 12:09 AM

^ You in MIT?

*mcgmit* · 10-27-2009, 12:45 AM

QA, is there the possibility that you could make a video of you explaining the game, and then send us that? We receive a great deal of mailed materials, and it is somewhat difficult to transport this material with your folder. A video on youtube would be very easy to make, and it would also be seen by every admissions officer that reviews your file. You could also provide your other colleges with the link, instead of sending in something you spent a great deal of time making!

-McGreggor (MIT Admissions)

An0maly · 10-27-2009, 05:02 PM

Is it possible to submit a powerpoint presentation as a supplement?

dementedwombat · 10-27-2009, 06:14 PM

No, not enrolled at MIT. I did apply but didn't get a chance to schedule an interview; so I don't think I'll get in. I used the QuestBridge application so basically I have a week once I know I'm a finalist to get all my test scores/financial documents freighted to my chosen colleges. I read the "optional" disclamer on the interview and decided to do it last. Didn't catch the "but strongly recommended" part until after the deadline to schedule one was over.

I sent an E-Mail my interviewer asking about late interviews but I didn't receive a reply.