So you've sent your applications to Harvard, Princeton, Stanford, and other Ivy League schools. You're anxiously waiting to hear back and nervous about the result. Some of you may have been waitlisted after Early Action and are really worried about your chances.
I went through this process awhile back - and was accepted at Harvard, Stanford, Princeton, and other Ivy League schools. I also worked in the Admissions Office for 3 years - so I know what I'm talking about here.
Here are my secrets to creating a mid-year update/report that will WOW ADMISSIONS COMMITTEES and hopefully push you over the edge.
1) Send a maximum of 3-4 error-free pages describing SIGNIFICANT SUCCESSES since your regular application. Did you win a major, international scholarship? Include. Did your tennis team win a state championship? Include. Did you start an anime club with your friends? Do not include
2) Don't send any additional teacher recs unless specifically asked. I know how nervous you guys are. I know how badly you want to show them that you're qualified. But sending too much information at this point is COUNTERPRODUCTIVE. Don't do it - even if that teacher rec is the greatest thing since sliced bread. Admissions Committees will at best briefly look over it, and at worst be irritated that you were so pushy
3) Only send sample articles, reports, stories, etc if they are professional quality. For instance, if you wrote several short stories, only include them if you're either SPECIFICALLY ASKED, or if those stories were published in the New Yorker or other national publication. Do not include it just because your English Teacher gave you an A+
4) This is your last chance to make a definitive impression, so I would SPEND A LOT OF TIME making things look good, proofreading and spell-checking, and getting a few secondary opinions.
Most people think the Mid-year report/Mid-year update is simply grades and a form for the counselor. But it's a great opportunity to showcase how you've improved over time, and to give Admissions Committees the little bump that may put you over the edge.
Good luck, everybody!
I went through this process awhile back - and was accepted at Harvard, Stanford, Princeton, and other Ivy League schools. I also worked in the Admissions Office for 3 years - so I know what I'm talking about here.
Here are my secrets to creating a mid-year update/report that will WOW ADMISSIONS COMMITTEES and hopefully push you over the edge.
1) Send a maximum of 3-4 error-free pages describing SIGNIFICANT SUCCESSES since your regular application. Did you win a major, international scholarship? Include. Did your tennis team win a state championship? Include. Did you start an anime club with your friends? Do not include
2) Don't send any additional teacher recs unless specifically asked. I know how nervous you guys are. I know how badly you want to show them that you're qualified. But sending too much information at this point is COUNTERPRODUCTIVE. Don't do it - even if that teacher rec is the greatest thing since sliced bread. Admissions Committees will at best briefly look over it, and at worst be irritated that you were so pushy
3) Only send sample articles, reports, stories, etc if they are professional quality. For instance, if you wrote several short stories, only include them if you're either SPECIFICALLY ASKED, or if those stories were published in the New Yorker or other national publication. Do not include it just because your English Teacher gave you an A+
4) This is your last chance to make a definitive impression, so I would SPEND A LOT OF TIME making things look good, proofreading and spell-checking, and getting a few secondary opinions.
Most people think the Mid-year report/Mid-year update is simply grades and a form for the counselor. But it's a great opportunity to showcase how you've improved over time, and to give Admissions Committees the little bump that may put you over the edge.
Good luck, everybody!
About the Author:
Hopeless To Harvard is an insider's account of how a B+ student got into Harvard, Stanford, and Princeton. Click here to follow the advice, learn last-minute tips to writing the perfect application, and go to any Ivy League school. Learn how to get into Harvard now!
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