Is including a personal website on one's application appropriate, needed, or even considered by admissions officers?

Hi Amelia,
great question! The answer depends on what you have on your website. If you can showcase any projects or papers that demonstrate your skills, then by all means, keep it. However, it is not necessary to provide a personal website--I did not when I was applying to colleges and did fine. What colleges are looking for is someone who can a) do well in a rigorous academic setting and b) who can add something to the college. The second is intentionally vague, as the goal is to have a diverse, however you define that, campus. I hope this helps, and let me know if there was anything confusing. Good luck!

Hi there,
In my opinion, anything extra that enhances your application is worthwhile. They may look at it, they may not, (it probably depends on the specific person looking at your application) HOWEVER if they do, you instantly have a differentiator - you're the one who went the extra mile, who had the detailed/interesting/attractive website!
In my experience, if it comes down to 2 people, the one who put in the extra effort is always the one who will get it.
Good luck!