Submit this essay for summer programs?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the appropriateness of submitting a personal essay as part of applications to various summer science programs. Participants explore the implications of including personal work in applications, particularly for a high school sophomore, and the potential impact on the applicant's chances of acceptance.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant is considering submitting their essay as part of their application to summer programs and seeks feedback on its impressiveness.
  • Another participant requests the essay prompt to better understand the applicant's objective.
  • A different participant comments on the essay's writing quality, noting an overuse of hyphens and clarifying the applicant's educational level as a high school sophomore.
  • The applicant reiterates that the prompt allows for writing on any topic and expresses concern about the necessity of the essay for the application process.
  • One participant advises against submitting the essay if it is not explicitly required, suggesting that it could negatively impact the application if it does not meet the expected standards.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on whether the essay should be submitted. Some suggest it could be beneficial if it showcases the applicant's abilities, while others caution against including unsolicited material that may not align with application guidelines.

Contextual Notes

There is uncertainty regarding the essay's quality and its relevance to the application process, as well as the potential consequences of submitting additional materials that are not explicitly requested.

Who May Find This Useful

High school students applying to summer science programs, educators advising students on application materials, and individuals interested in the application processes for competitive academic programs.

Simfish
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I'm applying to 3-4 summer programs (Summer Science Program, NASA SHARP, UW Summer Academy, and maybe another). I'm thinking of attaching some of my own work - but I'm wondering if this work is impressive for a sophomore applying to a highly competitive summer science program - Should I submit it as a piece of my sample work to these programs?... (I submitted it for the DuPont Science Essay Challenge)/

Thanks for your input!

Of course, one thing is - most of the feedback I've received was "Good job, science was too difficult" or "pretty good," which is an indication that the essay wasn't too great and that the reader didn't want to hurt my feelings (although it wasn't too bad either). Hopefully, I'll get some new responses.

Essay is at...

http://simfish89.tripod.com/dupontscienceessay.doc
 
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give us the essay question or prompt so we know what your objective is :smile:
 
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Other than an overuse of hyphens, it is otherwise well-written. Just to clarify, when you say you're a sophomore, do you mean high school or college? If you're in high school, this would be a good example of your work if the applications require such material.
 
Well - Prompt is essentially - write whatever you know about whatever topic you choose. ;)

I'm a high school sophomore. Summer progs don't require it so it much be especially good for me to submit it to them - or else I'll just be seen as trying to pile up stuff on them.
 
Simfishy said:
Well - Prompt is essentially - write whatever you know about whatever topic you choose. ;)

I'm a high school sophomore. Summer progs don't require it so it much be especially good for me to submit it to them - or else I'll just be seen as trying to pile up stuff on them.

If they don't ask for it, don't send it, unless there's a statement permitting optional supplemental material. It could hurt your chances if you don't follow the application instructions and bog them down with extra material to read.
 

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