Admissions materials not an automatic entry to IU

From the most outrageous stories to certificates of achievement, the admissions office has seen it all. A wave of attachments to applications has hit the office such as videotapes and pictures of the candidate in IU apparel. Although it's a rare occurrence for the admissions office to receive such attachments, it is stressed that submitting these extras in no way affects whether the applicant is admitted to IU. \n"In the last 20-some years I've worked here and reviewed files, I've seen family pictures where people are dressed in Hoosier garb," said Jane Gantz, senior associate director of admissions. "It doesn't happen all that often, but it certainly does happen."\nGantz has received her fair share of additional materials, including badminton certificates from international students and poetry about why the applicant would be a great IU student. But the process of sending extra material with the applications is not new to the University, nor does it guarantee entrance. \n"Maybe (the applicants) feel that will make an impression on the admission committee," Gantz said. \nSome students agree that photos will not help one's chances of being accepted. \nFreshman Anna Schilawski sent a personal statement and a list of her activities, programs and sports accomplishments with her application. Being an out-of-state student, Schilawski knew there'd be more competition. But even she has never heard of sending pictures along with an application.\n"I think it's more about what you did academically in high school," Schilawski said. \nStephanie Carreras, an IU sophomore, feels the same way. Carreras opted to send in the elective essay and letter of recommendation. \n"I don't think (sending a picture) has anything to do with your academic abilities," Carreras said. "I could wear a Harvard sweater and I still wouldn't get into Harvard."\nSome might wonder if submitting these extras helps their chances of getting into the school. Although some feel it's the academic ability that guarantees admission, others think they have the upper-hand with added materials in their admission packet.\n"We like to see that the student wants to be here, but of course, we look at their academic record," Gantz said. "If their academic record is strong and they meet the criteria for admission, they'll get in, but it has nothing to do with whether they sent in a picture."\nPotential students might see tougher admission standards for IU in the fall of 2008 when new application regulations will be enacted. This could cause more students to submit these extras, but Gantz is confident they won't.\n"I doubt it because we're going to be very clear in our literature for our applications," Gantz said.