{"id":2160,"date":"2025-03-28T23:07:39","date_gmt":"2025-03-29T07:07:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.cirkledin.com\/library\/?p=2160"},"modified":"2026-08-31T10:13:08","modified_gmt":"2026-08-31T18:13:08","slug":"optional-college-application","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.cirkledin.com\/library\/college-applications-and-admissions\/optional-college-application\/","title":{"rendered":"The &#8220;Optional&#8221; Application Pieces: When Should You Submit Art Supplements, Research Abstracts, or Extra Essays?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cirkledin.com\/library\/college-applications-and-admissions\/college-application-timeline\/\" style=\"text-decoration:underline\">College applications often have<\/a> &#8220;optional&#8221; pieces. Art supplements, research abstracts, extra essays \u2013 should you send them? Submitting these can boost your application. But they can also hurt it. This article will help you decide. We will look at when to submit art supplements, research abstracts, and more. Learn to make smart choices!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"575\" src=\"https:\/\/www.cirkledin.com\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Applications-Batch-2-7-1024x575.png\" alt=\"Optional App Pieces: Submit or Skip? Expert Advice\" class=\"wp-image-2162\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.cirkledin.com\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Applications-Batch-2-7-1024x575.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.cirkledin.com\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Applications-Batch-2-7-300x168.png 300w, https:\/\/www.cirkledin.com\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Applications-Batch-2-7-768x431.png 768w, https:\/\/www.cirkledin.com\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Applications-Batch-2-7-1536x862.png 1536w, https:\/\/www.cirkledin.com\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Applications-Batch-2-7.png 1825w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Golden Rule: Quality Over Quantity<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cirkledin.com\/library\/college-applications-and-admissions\/after-submit-college-application-plan\/\" style=\"text-decoration:underline\">Before you submit anything extra<\/a>, remember this: Quality is key. Colleges want to see your best work. Sending weak materials will hurt your chances. Only submit something if it is truly exceptional. Is it better than what&#8217;s already in your application? If the answer is no, don&#8217;t send it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"ci-auto-cta\" style=\"background:#0A3D5C;color:#fff;border-radius:14px;padding:16px 22px;display:flex;align-items:center;gap:16px;flex-wrap:wrap;margin:22px 0;font-family:inherit\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" width=\"28\" height=\"28\" fill=\"#F5C563\" style=\"flex:0 0 28px\"><path d=\"M12 3 1 8l11 5 9-4.1V15h2V8L12 3z\"\/><path d=\"M5 12.7v3.3c0 1.2 3.1 3 7 3s7-1.8 7-3v-3.3l-7 3.2-7-3.2z\"\/><\/svg><div style=\"flex:1;min-width:220px\"><div style=\"font-size:19px;font-weight:800;line-height:1.2;margin:0 0 3px\">Find Your Best-Fit College<\/div><div style=\"font-size:13.5px;line-height:1.45;color:#c9d9e6\">Search and compare 7,000+ colleges and trade schools to find the ones that fit your goals and budget.<\/div><\/div><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cirkledin.com\/college\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" style=\"text-decoration:underline;background:#EDAE39;color:#072A40;font-weight:800;font-size:14.5px;border-radius:999px;padding:11px 24px;text-decoration:none;white-space:nowrap\">Find Colleges<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Art Supplements: Showcasing Your Talent<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Art supplements are for visual or performing arts students. They show your artistic abilities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>When to Submit:<\/strong> If you are applying to an art program. If art is a major part of who you are. If your <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cirkledin.com\/library\/resume-and-portfolio-building\/college-portfolio-admissions-wants\/\" style=\"text-decoration:underline\">portfolio is high-quality and demonstrates<\/a> skill.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>What to Include:<\/strong> Your best work. A variety of pieces that showcase your range. Clear descriptions of each piece.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Examples:<\/strong> If your portfolio is high-quality and demonstrates skill. <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cirkledin.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" style=\"text-decoration:underline\">Cirkled in<\/a><\/strong> allows you to present your work in a professional and organized manner, ensuring it makes a strong impression.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>If you aren&#8217;t applying to an art program, consider skipping this. Only include it if your art is truly exceptional and relevant to your application.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Research Abstracts: Demonstrating Academic Prowess<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Research abstracts show your academic abilities. They highlight your research experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>When to Submit:<\/strong> If you have done significant research. If your research is relevant to your major. If you made meaningful <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cirkledin.com\/library\/resume-and-portfolio-building\/passion-project-college-portfolio\/\" style=\"text-decoration:underline\">contributions to the project<\/a>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>What to Include:<\/strong> A concise summary of your research. The research question, methods, and findings. Your role in the project.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Important:<\/strong> Make sure your abstract is well-written. It must be easy to understand. Have a teacher or mentor review it.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Submitting a weak or poorly written abstract can hurt your application. Only submit a college research abstract if you are proud of the work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"ci-auto-cta\" style=\"background:#1E90C9;color:#fff;border-radius:14px;padding:16px 22px;display:flex;align-items:center;gap:16px;flex-wrap:wrap;margin:22px 0;font-family:inherit\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" width=\"28\" height=\"28\" fill=\"#F5C563\" style=\"flex:0 0 28px\"><path d=\"M4 5h5l2 2h9a1 1 0 0 1 1 1v10a1 1 0 0 1-1 1H4a1 1 0 0 1-1-1V6a1 1 0 0 1 1-1z\"\/><\/svg><div style=\"flex:1;min-width:220px\"><div style=\"font-size:19px;font-weight:800;line-height:1.2;margin:0 0 3px\">Showcase Everything You&#8217;ve Achieved<\/div><div style=\"font-size:13.5px;line-height:1.45;color:#e8f5fd\">Build a free Cirkled In portfolio that shows who you are beyond test scores.<\/div><\/div><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cirkledin.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" style=\"text-decoration:underline;background:#EDAE39;color:#072A40;font-weight:800;font-size:14.5px;border-radius:999px;padding:11px 24px;text-decoration:none;white-space:nowrap\">Start My Profile<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Extra Essays: Filling in the Gaps (Carefully!)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Some colleges <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cirkledin.com\/library\/extracurricular-activities-and-leadership\/art-portfolio-college-music-theater-supplement\/\" style=\"text-decoration:underline\">allow you to submit extra essays<\/a>. Use these to share information that&#8217;s not already in your application.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>When to Submit:<\/strong> If you have a unique story to tell. If you want to explain something in your application. If you want to demonstrate your writing skills.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>What to Write About:<\/strong> Overcoming a challenge. A unique perspective on a topic. Your passion for a specific subject.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Important:<\/strong> Don&#8217;t repeat information. Don&#8217;t write about something trivial. Don&#8217;t use it as a substitute for the main essay.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">When <em>Not<\/em> to Submit: Red Flags to Watch For<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Sometimes, submitting optional materials is a bad idea. Avoid submitting if:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>The quality isn&#8217;t high:<\/strong> Weak materials hurt your application.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>It&#8217;s not relevant:<\/strong> Irrelevant materials waste the admissions committee&#8217;s time.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>It repeats information:<\/strong> Repeating information shows a lack of creativity.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>You&#8217;re just trying to impress:<\/strong> Be authentic. Colleges can spot insincerity.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Final Checklist: Is It Worth Sharing?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Before you submit any optional piece, ask yourself:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Is this my best work?<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Does it add something new to my application?<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Is it relevant to my goals?<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Have I had it reviewed by someone I trust?<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>If you can answer yes to all these questions, then go ahead and submit it. If not, it&#8217;s best to skip it. Make smart choices to boost your chances of acceptance!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Need more tips on\u00a0<strong>college applications<\/strong>,\u00a0<strong>scholarships<\/strong>, or just how to survive this whole process?\u00a0<strong>Cirkled In<\/strong>\u00a0has your back\u2014check out\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.cirkledin.com\/library\/\" style=\"text-decoration:underline\">Cirkled In resources<\/a>\u00a0to help you through every step of your college journey!<br>Check out\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.cirkledin.com\/\" style=\"text-decoration:underline\"><strong>Cirkled In<\/strong>\u00a0<\/a>and start owning your future today!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"ci-auto-cta\" style=\"background:#EDAE39;color:#082033;border-radius:14px;padding:16px 22px;display:flex;align-items:center;gap:16px;flex-wrap:wrap;margin:22px 0;font-family:inherit\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" width=\"28\" height=\"28\" fill=\"#082033\" style=\"flex:0 0 28px\"><path d=\"M18 4h2a1 1 0 0 1 1 1v2a4 4 0 0 1-4 4h-.4A6 6 0 0 1 13 14.9V17h3v2H8v-2h3v-2.1A6 6 0 0 1 7.4 11H7a4 4 0 0 1-4-4V5a1 1 0 0 1 1-1h2V3h12v1zM6 6H5v1a2 2 0 0 0 1 1.7V6zm13 0v2.7A2 2 0 0 0 20 7V6h-1z\"\/><\/svg><div style=\"flex:1;min-width:220px\"><div style=\"font-size:19px;font-weight:800;line-height:1.2;margin:0 0 3px\">$2,500 No-Sweat Scholarship<\/div><div style=\"font-size:13.5px;line-height:1.45;color:#5a3a10\">Five minutes to apply for $2,500 toward college. No essay marathon required.<\/div><\/div><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cirkledin.com\/scholarships\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" style=\"text-decoration:underline;background:#0A3D5C;color:#fff;font-weight:800;font-size:14.5px;border-radius:999px;padding:11px 24px;text-decoration:none;white-space:nowrap\">Apply Now<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"ci-related\" style=\"background:#e7f1fb;border-radius:16px;padding:20px 24px;margin:30px 0 16px;font-family:inherit\"><div style=\"color:#2b6f9c;font-size:12px;font-weight:800;letter-spacing:1.2px;text-transform:uppercase;margin:0 0 4px\">Keep Reading<\/div><div style=\"font-size:20px;font-weight:800;color:#0A3D5C;margin:0 0 10px\">Related Articles<\/div><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cirkledin.com\/library\/resume-and-portfolio-building\/when-should-i-start-preparing-for-college-applications-spoiler-sooner-than-you-think\/\" style=\"text-decoration:underline;display:flex;align-items:center;gap:10px;padding:8px 2px;text-decoration:none;color:#0A3D5C;font-weight:600;font-size:15px\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" width=\"14\" height=\"14\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"#2b6f9c\" stroke-width=\"2.5\" style=\"flex:0 0 14px\"><path d=\"M9 6l6 6-6 6\"\/><\/svg><span style=\"text-decoration:underline\">When Should I Start Preparing for College Applications? 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Find your dream college, gain real experience, and win scholarships, all at one hub.<\/p><div class=\"ci-why-tiles\"><a class=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cirkledin.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" style=\"text-decoration:underline;background:#2EA9E0;color:#fff;border-radius:12px;padding:14px 14px;text-decoration:none;display:flex;align-items:center;gap:11px;min-height:58px;font-weight:800;font-size:13.5px;line-height:1.2;box-shadow:0 6px 16px -8px rgba(0,0,0,.5)\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" width=\"23\" height=\"23\" fill=\"#F5C563\" style=\"flex:0 0 23px\"><path d=\"M4 5h5l2 2h9a1 1 0 0 1 1 1v10a1 1 0 0 1-1 1H4a1 1 0 0 1-1-1V6a1 1 0 0 1 1-1z\"\/><\/svg>Create My Portfolio<\/a><a class=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cirkledin.com\/college\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" style=\"text-decoration:underline;background:#147097;color:#fff;border-radius:12px;padding:14px 14px;text-decoration:none;display:flex;align-items:center;gap:11px;min-height:58px;font-weight:800;font-size:13.5px;line-height:1.2;box-shadow:0 6px 16px -8px rgba(0,0,0,.5)\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" width=\"23\" height=\"23\" fill=\"#fff\" style=\"flex:0 0 23px\"><path d=\"M12 3 1 8l11 5 9-4.1V15h2V8L12 3z\"\/><path d=\"M5 12.7v3.3c0 1.2 3.1 3 7 3s7-1.8 7-3v-3.3l-7 3.2-7-3.2z\"\/><\/svg>Research 7,000+ Colleges<\/a><a class=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cirkledin.com\/scholarships\/search\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" style=\"text-decoration:underline;background:#F3D08A;color:#082033;border-radius:12px;padding:14px 14px;text-decoration:none;display:flex;align-items:center;gap:11px;min-height:58px;font-weight:800;font-size:13.5px;line-height:1.2;box-shadow:0 6px 16px -8px rgba(0,0,0,.5)\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" width=\"23\" height=\"23\" fill=\"#082033\" style=\"flex:0 0 23px\"><path d=\"M12 2a10 10 0 1 0 0 20 10 10 0 0 0 0-20zm.9 15.4v1.2h-1.6v-1.2c-1.5-.2-2.5-1-2.7-2.4h1.7c.1.7.7 1.1 1.8 1.1 1 0 1.6-.4 1.6-1s-.4-.9-1.9-1.2c-1.8-.4-2.9-1-2.9-2.5 0-1.2.9-2.1 2.4-2.3V6.4h1.6v1.4c1.3.2 2.2 1 2.4 2.2h-1.7c-.1-.6-.6-1-1.5-1s-1.5.4-1.5 1c0 .5.5.8 1.9 1.1 1.9.4 2.9 1 2.9 2.6 0 1.3-.9 2.2-2.4 2.3z\"\/><\/svg>Find 6,500+ Scholarships<\/a><a class=\"ci-wide\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cirkledin.com\/internship-and-jobs\/search\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" style=\"text-decoration:underline;background:#1F5F8B;color:#fff;border-radius:12px;padding:14px 14px;text-decoration:none;display:flex;align-items:center;gap:11px;min-height:58px;font-weight:800;font-size:13.5px;line-height:1.2;box-shadow:0 6px 16px -8px rgba(0,0,0,.5)\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" width=\"23\" height=\"23\" fill=\"#fff\" style=\"flex:0 0 23px\"><rect x=\"10.3\" y=\"2.4\" width=\"3.4\" height=\"2.2\" rx=\"1.1\"\/><rect x=\"5\" y=\"4.6\" width=\"14\" height=\"16.8\" rx=\"2.4\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"#fff\" stroke-width=\"1.5\"\/><rect x=\"7.4\" y=\"7.4\" width=\"9.2\" height=\"3.4\" rx=\"1\"\/><rect x=\"8\" y=\"13\" width=\"8\" height=\"1.5\"\/><rect x=\"8\" y=\"16\" width=\"8\" height=\"1.5\"\/><rect x=\"8\" y=\"19\" width=\"5\" height=\"1.5\"\/><\/svg>Explore 24,000+ Internships, Jobs &amp; Volunteering<\/a><a class=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cirkledin.com\/scholarships\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" style=\"text-decoration:underline;background:#EDAE39;color:#082033;border-radius:12px;padding:14px 14px;text-decoration:none;display:flex;align-items:center;gap:11px;min-height:58px;font-weight:800;font-size:13.5px;line-height:1.2;box-shadow:0 6px 16px -8px rgba(0,0,0,.5)\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" width=\"23\" height=\"23\" fill=\"#082033\" style=\"flex:0 0 23px\"><path d=\"M18 4h2a1 1 0 0 1 1 1v2a4 4 0 0 1-4 4h-.4A6 6 0 0 1 13 14.9V17h3v2H8v-2h3v-2.1A6 6 0 0 1 7.4 11H7a4 4 0 0 1-4-4V5a1 1 0 0 1 1-1h2V3h12v1zM6 6H5v1a2 2 0 0 0 1 1.7V6zm13 0v2.7A2 2 0 0 0 20 7V6h-1z\"\/><\/svg>Win the $2,500 Scholarship<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>College applications often have &#8220;optional&#8221; pieces. Art supplements, research abstracts, extra essays \u2013 should you send them? Submitting these can boost your application. But they can also hurt it. This article will help you decide. We will look at when to submit art supplements, research abstracts, and more. Learn to [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":38,"featured_media":2161,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[49],"tags":[1932,1933,18,66,98,1913,1922,1923,1924,1925,1926,1927,1928,1929,1930,1931],"class_list":["post-2160","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-college-applications-and-admissions","tag-college-admission-checklist","tag-submission-tips","tag-college-admissions","tag-college-application-tips","tag-college-essays","tag-college-application-process","tag-optional-application-pieces","tag-art-supplements","tag-research-abstracts","tag-extra-essays","tag-application-strategy","tag-academic-prowess","tag-talent-showcase","tag-quality-over-quantity","tag-extra-materials","tag-admissions-red-flags"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v24.6 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>The &quot;Optional&quot; Application Pieces: When Should You Submit Art Supplements, Research Abstracts, or Extra Essays? - Cirkled In<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Art portfolio? Research abstract? Optional essay? Learn when submitting &quot;optional&quot; application pieces helps your college chances\u2014and when it hurts!\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cirkledin.com\/library\/college-applications-and-admissions\/optional-college-application\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"The &quot;Optional&quot; Application Pieces: When Should You Submit Art Supplements, Research Abstracts, or Extra Essays? - Cirkled In\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Art portfolio? Research abstract? Optional essay? 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