--- title: "Showcase Your Talents With Supplemental Portfolios" description: "Many colleges allow students to submit supplemental materials evidencing their special talents and interests even though they do not apply for a major in fine…" url: "https://eliteprep.com/blog/optional-supplemental-portfolios/" image: "https://media.eliteprep.com/iStock-1387076161-webp-card.jpg" language: "en" datePublished: "2024-11-04T15:45:00.000Z" source: "eliteprep build" --- [Students](https://eliteprep.com/blog/category/students/) [College Application](https://eliteprep.com/blog/category/college-application/) [University of California](https://eliteprep.com/blog/category/university-of-california/) [Common Application](https://eliteprep.com/blog/category/common-application/) # Showcase Your Talents in the College Application Process with Optional Supplemental Portfolios November 4, 2024 2 min read [Explore Elite College Consulting](https://eliteprep.com/consulting/) ![A smiling student points at a large portrait painting on an easel as another student works on it in an art studio.](https://eliteprep.com/media/iStock-1387076161-webp-w800.webp) Most colleges require students applying for a major in fine arts (including visual art, game design, and architecture) and performing arts (including music, dance, drama, and film) to submit a portfolio and perhaps also do a live or virtual audition. However, many colleges allow students to submit supplemental materials evidencing their special talents and interests even though they do not apply for a major in fine art or performing art. In addition, many colleges also invite students with significant research interests to submit information about their research experience in high school. ## **Colleges Accepting Optional Supplemental Portfolios** - [**Barnard College**](https://barnard.edu/admissions/the-application-process) - [**Case Western Reserve University**](https://case.edu/admission/apply/deadlines-and-requirements) - [**Columbia University**](https://undergrad.admissions.columbia.edu/apply/process/supplementary-materials) - [**Duke University**](https://admissions.duke.edu/apply/) - [**Princeton University**](https://admission.princeton.edu/apply/optional-arts-supplement) - [**MIT**](https://mitadmissions.org/apply/firstyear/portfolios-additional-material/) - [**Stanford University**](https://admission.stanford.edu/apply/first-year/arts.html) - [**University of Chicago**](https://collegeadmissions.uchicago.edu/apply) - [**University of Pennsylvania**](https://admissions.upenn.edu/how-to-apply/what-penn-looks-for/supplementary-materials) - [**Vassar College**](https://www.vassar.edu/admission/apply/requirements/) - [**Wesleyan University**](https://www.wesleyan.edu/admission/apply/supplemental-materials.html) - [**Williams College**](https://www.williams.edu/admission-aid/arts-supplement/) - [**Yale University**](https://admissions.yale.edu/supplementary) ## **Types of Optional Supplemental Materials\*:** - **Academic research in science, humanities, or social sciences** – provide a 1-page or 2-page abstract with details of the applicant’s role/involvement - **Creative portfolios** – with materials similar to those for required portfolios: - **Dance**: Video recording of dance performance (4-6 minutes) - **Drama**: Video sample of a theatrical performance (acting program) or a script (playwriting program) - **Fine Arts** (including Architecture): Samples of “best work” using different media (pencil, pen, paint, digital, photography, sculpture, etc.) - **Film**: Video sample of film work or a screenplay - **Game Design**: Samples of artwork (similar to but not as extensive as fine arts) and an essay on a game idea - **Engineering**: Images and videos documenting the design process of a project - **Music**: Audio/video recording of two works from different periods and tempo **_\*Be sure to follow any guidance or instructions for optional portfolio materials provided by the colleges or universities you are applying to._** ## **When Should You Submit an Optional Portfolio?** You should consider submitting an optional portfolio if two or more of the following apply: - You have dedicated years to learn, practice, and perform or compete - You have been recognized at the local, state, national, or international level - Your work has been published or featured on a significant platform – in print, online, news media, on stage, or a major art institution - You are encouraged by an instructor or professional in that field - You intend to major in the subject or continue the activity in a meaningful way in college Even though these portfolios are optional, you should take time and care to put together a strong portfolio of your work. In other words, start early, don’t procrastinate, and don’t treat the portfolio as an afterthought. Elite Prep has helped thousands of high school seniors [**apply to the University of California and other selective colleges and universities**](https://eliteprep.com/consulting/). Contact an [**Elite Prep branch office**](https://eliteprep.com/locations/) to speak with one of our experienced counselors about how we can help you get into your dream school. 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