<p>I'm scared!! I made a mistake on all of my applications. I thought I was a National Merit Semi Finalist when really I was only a Commended, as I just now found out.</p>
<p>Will it look to colleges like I lied? I didn't, I really had no idea and my counselor was unclear on this point. What should I do?</p>
<p>E-mail or call the schools you applied to. And/or ask your counselor to call them on your behalf.</p>
<p>Just send them a note letting them know about your mistake. I truly doubt that they'll hold it against you. They'll probably admire your honesty.</p>
<p>ok, that's what I'm planning on doing. I wrote the note already, it's going to be a pain to send it out...whoa, I definitely had a mini melt down for a second there. </p>
<p>Also, I'm sending this note...would this also be a good time to send an additional essay? I just wrote it and I really feel good about it, but all my apps were already sent out. Will they be annoyed or receptive?</p>
<p>how does this sound:</p>
<p>I am writing you to inform you of a mistake I have made on my transcript and resume. Due to a lack of communication between my guidance counselor and myself, I was mistakenly under the impression that I was a National Merit Semi Finalist. I have recently found out from a fellow Finalist that we were only National Merit Commended Finalists. I would like to clear this matter up before you evaluate my application. I apologize for any inconvenience this may cause the committee, but I would not wish this mistake to negatively affect my chances at Princeton.</p>
<p>Thank you for your time and I eagerly await your decision in April.</p>
<p>Oh no, not the "due to a lack of communication between my guidance counselor and myself". Just "due to a misunderstanding". The other way sounds like you're blaming your guidance counselor (even if you are, it doesn't sound good or play well to imply blame elsewhere). Also, you are not a commended "finalist" and your "fellow Finalist" sounds like he/she must be another commended scholar, not a finalist. You are a National Merit Commended Scholar. Check the website to get the terms and spellings right. <a href="http://www.nationalmerit.org/nmsp.html%5B/url%5D">http://www.nationalmerit.org/nmsp.html</a></p>
<p>Also, 'I apologize for any inconvenience this may cause the committee, but I felt it was important to correct my mistake' without the rest of the sentence. Also I would take out the "eagerly await your decision in April."</p>
<p>i understand the other changes, but why take out the "eagerly await your decision"?</p>
<p>I guess I think it just sounds a bit artificial/hoaky (sp?). I mean, you are eagerly awaiting it only if it is positive. jmo, I don't think it's a major deal if you leave it in. Wait and get a few more replies and then write the letter the way YOU want to, because it will be best if it is coming from who you are and how you feel about it.</p>
<p>Patient's changes are the ones I would recommend. In general, it makes sense to me for you to give them the correct information (with the apology) in the fewest words possible. If nothing else, the shorter your note, the less inconvenience you're causing them. The "eagerly awaiting your decision" sentence doesn't sit right with me because the point of your note isn't about acceptance and decision; it's just about your being honest and dedicated enough to want the right information on your application.</p>
<p>I don''t think the last sentence would be bad. It's a little hokey, but so are large parts of any average college app. On the other hand, it ends the letter on a postive note, which I think is a good idea.</p>
<p>right, I sort of wanted a closing sentence to the note, rather than just "I wanted to fix my mistake kthxbye"</p>
<p>is there another way I can close that isn't "hokey"?</p>
<p>EDIT: my 500th post! :)</p>
<p>Bbird, "...eagerly await your decision," sounds a little anxious and subservient. Try..."I look forward to your decision in April." It's a more natural and confident ending. You want to let them know that you've got your act together by taking care of this oversight. Make it short and to the point without any overtones of anxiety. And, ixnay on the extra essay. Imho, submitting another essay would again be showing a lack of confidence, like you didn't nail the essay the first time around. Good luck! ~sluggy</p>
<p>i like that ending, sluggbugg, thanks.</p>
<p>the other essay is one of those highly coveted "diversity essays"-- is it OK if I say I wanted to take time to get it right?</p>
<p>i don't think they'll let me simply replace the essay at this juncture...so I'm just going to ask it to be considered with the rest of my app.</p>
<p>Bb, you probably know more about it than I do, so do what you think is best. ;o) Does it say anything in your application instructions about sending in late changes to your essay? They may discourage applicants from doing that in order to avoid confusion in processing everyone's applications. I don't know, I'm a paperwork person, and I really don't like it when I get things in after the deadline has passed. Seems unfair to all of the people who got their stuff in on time. Clarifying info about your NM status is fine. I'm not too sure about editing your essay after the app deadline has passed. My gut says not to do it, but there may be a way to check for sure. Go to the Princeton board on CC and ask somebody. Getting your factual info straight is understandable. Editing your essay...it could be okay, but find out.</p>
<p>Don't send in the extra essay with your record correction.</p>
<p>not at all? I'm only sending it into my top schools because I think it might make a difference-- I'm afraid my other essays were boring...</p>
<p>I think it is a bad idea to send in the additional essay. I'm assuming the application deadline has passed. It is one thing to correct a small mistake, another thing alltogether to provide additional information that has not been requested.<br>
As for your original essays being boring; that is what you sent in. I'm sure 99% of the essays are boring to the adcoms. I don't think that is a good reason to pursue amending your application at this time.
good luck...</p>
<p>ok, i won't send it...but i'll regret not sending it if I don't ultimately get in.</p>
<p>The regular admission deadline is today, Jan 2. If you feel that strongly about it, then fax it in or email a copy today. I went to the Princeton website to try and get an idea of what they are looking for in an applicant:</p>
<p>"What does Princeton look for in its applicants?
Every applicant is reviewed individually and valued for his or her strengths. We do not have a profile of the ideal applicant, nor do we map out a checklist of all the particular ''types'' of students we plan to admit in a given year. In fact, one of Princeton's greatest strengths is the variety of talents, personalities, experiences, and points of view that are found in a freshman class. Although there are few accomplishments or traits shared by all or even large numbers of Princeton students, we do value interest in learning, distinctive achievements, devotion to academic and nonacademic pursuits, and good character. Beyond those fundamental qualities, we look at candidates' unique traits and successes and consider how they might fit in with the nearly infinite combination of choices we have to create a strong and diverse freshman class.</p>
<p>Are different weights given to various parts of the application?
No. We consider all of the components of an application as a unique whole and do not systematically give more weight to one piece over another. </p>
<p>How does Princeton measure academic promise?
We look at a variety of indicators to assess students' academic abilities and achievements, including the secondary school program and record (which is ultimately the most important factor), as well as SAT results (and other standardized test results if applicable). Teacher and counselor recommendations are also important. We weigh the combination of these indicators to gauge how students might fare in our rigorous academic programs, in which liveliness of mind and independence of thought are valued as much as sheer ability. Intellectual curiosity and academic excellence are the most important factors in our decision."</p>
<p>So, they're going to look at the whole application, not just your essay, and your essay is just one component of the entire package. They'll be getting entire application packages in today, so I think that adding to your app might be okay. At worst, you'll appear to be a nervous applicant who is somewhat unsure about him/herself. At best, you'll be showing that you put a lot of thought into your application, and you want to add something that you think will make a difference. Either way, it's your decision. Bottom line, you want to feel good about what you submitted to Princeton.</p>