Supplemental Material Information

[ShadowFairy]

Hello everyone!

 

I couldn't find a thread for this topic, I have a question regarding the content additional supplemental material, in particular for the sciences and engineering.

 

Would it be good to include reports of projects, articles, and theses over the course of your undergraduate year that contribute to your grad school profile? For example, maybe a summer research project that you did in an REU. I think it would demonstrate the content of your project and research experience that might've been listed in your personal statement or CV. Or are reports too much to include (ofc they're not like writing samples, but they can be quite lengthy and tedious to cover completely)? Maybe a list of abstracts of your projects? I'm thinking these are like the 'writing samples' for us science and engineering majors, and it would do good to prove you've done work and shown it in preparation for grad school success.

 

Anyone else having questions/concerns about supplemental material can voice them out here! Thank you!

 

 

[Eigen]

I would strongly encourage not submitting material past what the application requests. If those experiences are particularly important, they should be worked into your personal statement/CV. 

 

At best, it probably won't help. At worst, it will frustrate the administrators and faculty looking over your application, and make it seem like you can't follow directions or be succinct. 

[ShadowFairy]

Ahh... really? I never knew that.

 

How else would the administrators be able to judge the content of your prior experience?

[Eigen]

From the materials they ask for in your application. 

[ShadowFairy]

In the graduate applications I'm currently working on, supplemental materials is usually listed as if applicable/optional much like diversity statements, CV's, or joint program options. My intended field of study, mechanical engineering, usually doesn't require anything beyond a personal statement, letters of rec, prior experience, and transcripts.

 

Sorry, I suppose I just feel like those things aren't enough to show for what one actually does.

[Eigen]

If they list that you can submit supplemental materials, then that's fine. 

 

In general, anything that's truly pertinent should be highlighted both in your personal statement and letters of experience. A CV or listing of prior experience will also show quite a bit.