<p>I’m in the process of applying to Phillips Exeter and it’s been suggested to me that I include something extra, for example, my poetry/short stories, on top of the documents they ask for. I don’t know if this will be seen as superfluous and an inability to follow directions, or if it’s going to be the thing that sets me apart and shows the committee who I really am. Advice? Experience?</p>
<p>-Much appreciated </p>
<p>p.s. Is there any way to delete threads? I’m new to CC and hadn’t realized there’s a prep school forum, so I originally posted this to the general college forum.</p>
<p>It definitely won’t be seen as an inability to follow directions. Generally, the suggestion is to include something if it I’d a “hook” for you-- if you’re an accomplished athlete (video), musician, dancer, artist, writer-- and you’ll stand out among other applicants. Then, by all means, send the additional material. If you’re a solid but not exceptional whatever-your-skill- is, I wouldn’t send it. It will seem a little superfluous or even might make you look less exceptional when compared to others in your chosen EC area ( most applicants are pretty good in several areas). But if, for example, you’ve won some writing contest, or if your teachers have said you’ve really done some exceptional work (poetry or story), then send it. Many schools ask for a graded essay anyway, so I wouldn’t include an extra school paper, but if you’re an exceptional creative writer, by all means send something.</p>