<p>I’m applying to Brown RD with an intended major in arts as I’d like to pursue a photography concentration.</p>
<p>The Brown Admissions FAQ on their website states “Students who have achieved unusual distinction in some area” may submit examples of their best work for the Board’s consideration.</p>
<p>They also mention that supplemental materials rarely make a difference in the admissions decisions.</p>
<p>What would you think they consider to be unusual distinction? National awards? Publishing?</p>
<p>I’ve been published in my local school stuff, an online magazine, and in the process of possibly having some photos published on tourism sites.</p>
<p>Would it be too much effort, and distracting/annoying to admissions officers, to submit a portfolio?</p>
<p>My daughter submitted an art portfolio with her application (she just graduated, so this was four years ago). At that time, and it might still be the same, the admissions office sent her portfolio to the art department. Based on that, she was invited to submit the portfolio again to be considered for the juried VA foundation course, which she took. I don’t think the portfolio helped her in being admitted, but it did help her get a foot in the door with the department. She was a double VA/Lit Arts concentrator. It’s not distracting for admissions, they will just probably send it on to the department.</p>
<p>@franglish, did your daughter have any ‘unusual distinctions’ that she might have considered reason to send in the portfolio, or did she do so simply because she was interested in the subject?</p>
<p>Her portfolio was a sheet of about 12 slides that represented work she did in various media (prints, paintings, photos, drawings). Her work was really good, and art is important to her. Not sure what you mean by “unusual distinctions.” She is an artist, and wanted admissions to see what she did.</p>
<p>Thank you. I guess it can’t hurt to send something in then, the worst they could do is not look at it as they don’t forbid supplements so I don’t think they would reject my application for additional materials.</p>
<p>I believe their feelings are that they actually want to admit students, and they look forward to seeing applications. You sound like you’re not really convinced about your work. If your attitude is that you are proud of what you’ve done and who you are, you want people to see you as a well-rounded, complete person. Don’t cut yourself down during this season of college admissions. It is the time of selling yourself, even if you’re not entirely convinced. You might have to boost yourself up a little, and force yourself to believe that you deserve admissions to Brown, and wherever else you are applying. The only way for admissions committees to get to know you is through the entire application you send them. All of the thousands of applicants are just names until hard evidence separates students from each other, and even then it’s a lottery. Believe that you are worthy, and you will be. Otherwise, why bother? Good luck!</p>
<p>Napoleon: I’m not sure where you get your information about portfolios being screened by students - this is definitely not true. They are seen by members of the relevant department (Visual Arts, Theater, Music, etc).</p>
<p>i also have a question. so should we jus submit the common app art supplement, or should we send in a seperate portfolio? It dosen’t make sense, because everything is already on the Common app supplement? Helllpppp</p>
<p>Just submit the common app art supplement, and follow the guidelines on the Brown admissions webpage. Don’t send in more; it’ll just annoy them.</p>