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 at most 3-4 high-quality pages describing REAL ACCOMPLISHMENTS since your full application. Did you become President of the National Honor Society at school? Include. Did you break several state records in basketball? 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 additional portfolio work if it's professional quality. For instance, if you wrote a 25 page research paper on the Downfall of the Roman Empire, only include that report if you're either SPECIFICALLY ASKED, or if that report was published in a major, professional publication. Do not include it just because your History 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 a few forms from the Common Application. But for the strongest applicants, it's a great opportunity to showcase your latest accomplishments, and to give Admissions Officers enough information to push you over the top.
Good luck to all!
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 at most 3-4 high-quality pages describing REAL ACCOMPLISHMENTS since your full application. Did you become President of the National Honor Society at school? Include. Did you break several state records in basketball? 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 additional portfolio work if it's professional quality. For instance, if you wrote a 25 page research paper on the Downfall of the Roman Empire, only include that report if you're either SPECIFICALLY ASKED, or if that report was published in a major, professional publication. Do not include it just because your History 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 a few forms from the Common Application. But for the strongest applicants, it's a great opportunity to showcase your latest accomplishments, and to give Admissions Officers enough information to push you over the top.
Good luck to all!
About the Author:
Hopeless To Harvard is the story of how a B+ student got into 6 Ivy League schools and Stanford. Click here to learn his secrets, follow the steps, and break into the school of your dreams. Discover how to get into Harvard now!
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