I was deferred in early action. I am considering sending another essay (and request to replace my previous essay with it) and another rec. letter.
Is that a wise thing to do ?
and should I send it by Jan 1? or can I take a little longer (cause they will probably review my application quite late)
While you can certainly send in another essay, your additional essay CANNOT replace your previous essay. That’s not how things work in Admissions, as AO’s cannot “unsee” what you previously submitted. In addition, they’ve probably made a few notes about your initial essay, which are part of your official file. And just like your initial essay, those notes cannot be erased or disregarded.
Is it wise? Meh. Look at it this way: Harvard liked your application enough to defer you, so they liked what they initially saw (otherwise you would have been rejected). So they liked your initial essay. Will your additional essay add another dimension to your application? Or. will it just be more of the same? Only you can answer that question.
IMHO, an additional recommendation that gives another perspective to the applicant is generally more helpful than an additional essay.
In terms of when you should submit an additional essay or recommendation, you should probably submit it before January 15th, as that is when the subcommittees start reading (and re-reading) applications.
Thank you very much for your help. To dive deeper in, I sent Harvard 2 essays on Nov. 1st. Then, the regular decision application process made me realize that the 2 essays are connected in a way that I genuinely didn’t notice before. On this basis I wrote one essay that is a combination of both and used in as my common app essay in the RD process.
Now, I am considering to send it to Harvard with a genuine statement that since Nov. 1st I realized new things about my life and “connected the dots”.
Your thoughts ?
I think sending in another essay which combines both the two essays you previously sent will muddy your application and possibly confuse the AO’s. Remember:
Too risky?
I would think that you are practicing the “Let’s throw crap against the wall and see what sticks” approach to college admissions.
I would not send in a new essay (Dear Harvard, I did not care enough the first time around,so please use the attached new essay). I would not update them on anything you did before you applied (same principle as above). You may update them with any meaningful achievements since you applied. But in general, they already have everything they need to make the final decision.
Well I better send something to “stand out” maybe a new different essay or another LOR?
^^ Submitting an additional essay (something different than what you previously submitted) or sending an additional LoR will NOT necessarily make you stand out, as it may clutter your application. However, as @skieurope said in post #5, updating Admissions on your accomplishments since submitting your SCEA application might help: https://www.forbes.com/sites/kristenmoon/2018/12/11/how-to-handle-a-deferral-a-step-by-step-guide/#1163f4d33a26
Absolutely nothing new happened, I don’t have something even remotely acceptable to mention. I have a very strong LOR to submit. Maybe write an incredible deferral letter in the form of an essay ?
If you have nothing new to add, then DON’T write a deferral letter. And DON’T send in a deferral letter in the form of an essay, as that kind of seems desperate – and AO’s have a good nose for those kind of things. DO have your recommendation writer send in an additional LoR. That’s enough!
So final verdict: definitely send additional LoR.
Problem is I don’t think that’s enough to “turn” their decision. Maybe also a short 300 word essay ?
I harden to believe it will clatter the application too much.
There is a saying: “The thicker the file, the thicker the kid.” A short essay will not “turn” their decision, IMO.
Taken. Thank you both so much for your help !
OP, do you know what “stands out?” Sorry, but right now, I wonder if you’re getting it. That’s worrisome, becauese ‘getting it’ is critical to any tippy top. I wouldn’t even suggest an additional LoR unless it’s relevant. Who wrote this one?
In a deferral, deferred apps can be read as new RD apps. But in your case, the original essay is already in the file. Or the two or whatever it is.
Imo, part of what ski and gibby are saying is, don’t make a mistake now. That will NOT help.
OK. So essentially don’t submit anything, only possibly a LoR and only if its of real importance.
Correct ?
Yes
Aside from a significant award such as being named an Intel finalist, there is nothing in and of itself that will “turn” their decision. Nothing. Period. And even being named an Intel finalist might not do it. It’s either “in the cards” or not. What you can do, as @lookinforward indicated, is muck up your chances by over thinking and submitting additional materials. Here’s where you need to let it go.
Thank you again for your help. Are you guys students at the University ?
My daughter graduated from Harvard in 2014.
I would not submit anything new and start working on accepting that it is unlikely you will be admitted. This will free you from the kind of anxiety you are feeling now. Get to know the other colleges you have applied to. The waiting is hard but it is what it is: keep busy and try to enjoy your senior year. Assume you will not get into Harvard: it is easier that way.