The Zinch Report

I see that all the time too, but with my friends. I am glad that you posted this and I hope EVERYONE reads it because it is SO TRUE!!!

Are pictures okay if they are of what we are doing? For example, a picture of a sick animal you've taken care of, or an art project.

I would recommend that, for any picture that is not about you, you put a blurb in your "about me" section explaining it. Of course, I can't speak for the Zinch staff.

I have one question about the conservative email preference. My screen name for everything is Mutilated_Butterfly, but I have it because it really means a lot to me. It represents all of the hard times in my past and everything I have learned. I know it's not an appealing name, but since it has so much to do with who I am and why I work so hard, do you think it's okay to have such an odd email address/screen name?

Sally -
It's ok to have a picture showing you doing an activity you love. You may also upload an art project to as your photo, but my suggestion would be to keep the art projects in the z-folio. Keep in mind that no colleges are going to do any searches based on your picture, so you shouldn't worry too much about the one you choose.
You just want to make sure that you present a side of yourself that is consistent with what you're presenting in your profile.

Jacob -
This is a good idea. For students who are filling in the "about me" section, it's sometimes difficult to know what to put here. If you've uploaded an interesting picture that's worth explaining, give some context in the "about me" part of your profile.

Shannon -
This is an important question. As soon as I saw your email, and before I read your question, I paused and considered how your email address might strike an admissions officer.
I think your email is fine especially if the admissions officers would realize how it fits with your experiences and accomplishments. Even if they don't, I think your email is more intriguing than offensive. And most importantly, it means something to you.
The email addresses to avoid are ones that you may look back upon in a few years and want to change when you're older. If you have an email address that is unconventional or symbolic and you think you will hold onto it, carrying it with you as you mature, then it's ok.

On the subject of what not to do, is it a bad idea to post unusual or controversial political beliefs? I happen to be an anarcho-capitalist, and I know the word "anarchy" is quite stigmatized by most...

This is so true. As soon as I left middle school I had to change my e-mail address to something more professional, easier to remember for myself and easily identifiable for the people that I communicate with on a dailty basis.

Chris -

There's no easy answer to this question. On the one hand, it's important to be true to who you are and present an accurate picture of yourself to colleges. On the other, you want to use some discretion since you do not know who will be on the other side reading your application or viewing your profile. Perhaps a balancing test is best - would you rather risk your acceptance for the sake of your political beliefs? Or, temper/avoid sharing your political beliefs for the sake of maximizing your chances of getting in?
This is a very personal decision that each person has to make for him/hereself. In your case, you're right that the word anarchy scares some, but perhaps if you discuss it in context, what it means to you, how you came to your political beliefs you could really make this into a great essay.

Keep in mind also that you do not need to stop using your personal email address once you get a cleaned-up one for colleges. Consider getting a new email address so that all correspondance in that account will be college specific.

I was one of those kids with an e-mail address that might make addmission officers chuckle. What I did was create a new one for things like applications, scholarships, and such. It's a good idea because you can keep everything seperate from your myspace and facebook notices (which are a little annoying at times), but also use it in the future for future jobs and stuff.

Thanks for this. I really agree. My main picture shows my main love, bassoon. I've added others doing the exact same thing. I'm not here to showcase my non-existant social life. I'm here to show these colleges what I am truly passionate about. And yes - some people's e-mails are just...wow. :P

well, as for email.....is stripepanther1989 ok?
im just wondering because i have that ID on absolutely everything

i_command_sg1@yahoo.com

I named my email after a sci-fi show I really really like, namely Stargate SG-1. I fear it screams geek, but maybe some colleges may find that refreshing. What do you think. I spent HOURS on this and I'll never be done, I just hope it comes through.

Clifton -

Do not fear seeming geeky. Colleges often love that stuff especially when it ties in with what you love. It's the obscene email addresses that draw concern.

I am sort of in the same boat as Clifton. My e-mail ("ohhappysunnythefunnybunny") isn't exactly conservative, but it's no obscenity, and I feel like it catches more attention than a "firstnamelastname@gmail.com" (but maybe thats a bad thing)...

To change or not to change? I'd really like a second opinion.