Uploading optional supplementary material

[Tolman's Rat]

If you are given this option, what do you do?

I have a few applications where I am given the option to upload a resume, CV, writing sample, etc. and am not sure what to upload. Would they be looking for an essay written in a course? Thesis work? What is going to be more valuable? An essay that relates to your proposed research field, or a thesis that is not related but demonstrates quality research skills? Or would you just upload a CV to give adcomms a concise overview of everything you've accomplished?

For example, I got a 96 on a paper written in an upper year cognitive development course. This is my area of interest, but is it something that adcomms will find useful?

[Tolman's Rat]

Anyone? One of my apps is due tomorrow...I need to decide on uploading a research paper, my thesis, or my CV...

[TakeruK]

If I was given this option and could only upload ONE of the three things you mentioned, then I would upload my CV. I think the information in the CV is the most beneficial (for me), so if I didn't already have a chance to present this info in the other parts of the application, I'd pick the CV for sure!

[Tolman's Rat]

Thanks! Yes, I suppose that the advantage of a CV is that you've got all relevant information summarized in a neat way. The only reservation I have here is that there isn't too much info in my CV that isn't outlined elsewhere in my application. For example, my SOP talks about my research experience, teaching experience, and technical skills, and my major average (it doesn't appear in my transcript). Another part of the application has asked me for any awards or publications/presentations. Yet another part of the application asks about languages.

Though I see the value in summarizing all of that info neatly in a CV, it is available elsewhere. I've e-mailed one of my recommenders to ask for his opinion as well...

[rising_star]

I would include a strong writing sample, if I had the option to upload only one supplement.

[Tolman's Rat]

My most influential recommender told me to upload my thesis, saying that it demonstrates "excellent writing skills and research skills" but he also said that he would choose to simply upload your best piece of writing. So for anyone else in this situation, this is the advice I received:

Frankly the main concern I have when I read a paper by a prospective grad student is how well they write. I figure I can teach a smart student anything they need to know. But writing skill takes a lot more than can be taught in a few short years. So whichever is a better piece of writing I would go with.

[moody]

I would upload a writing sample; ideally, this would be a thesis or research paper related to your desired area of study. A strong writing sample is evidence for the committee that you have the ability to undertake research in your area of interest... which can only be a good thing.

[Tolman's Rat]

I would upload a writing sample; ideally, this would be a thesis or research paper related to your desired area of study. A strong writing sample is evidence for the committee that you have the ability to undertake research in your area of interest... which can only be a good thing.

Unfortunately, my thesis didn't come in my proposed area of study, but that's OK, I think.

I ended up attaching my thesis whenever I had the option to upload a single supplementary document. Most of my applications allowed for a CV to be uploaded as well, so it all worked out in that sense.

A thesis is great, according to my recommenders, since it demonstrates both excellent writing skills and research skills. I'm glad that I waited a year to apply so that I could bolster my application with all of my 4th year experiences...

Edited December 6, 2012 by Tolman's Rat