<p>So I'm sending in additional information that discusses various things that have happened or changed since I sent in my app for early action as well as detail about my internships and the non-profit I started.
I was wondering if it's a bad idea to also include another personal statement in that? It started out as just a paragraph, but I ended up writing what almost looks like an essay. Is it a bad idea to send that?
I would appreciate any answers or opinions! Thanks so much!</p>
<p>I would suggest waiting another month to six weeks before sending another personal statement and updated information. Take the time to edit, polish and really reflect about what you could offer Harvard and why the school is your first choice.</p>
<p>Thank you! The deadline for the additional info is January 20th, so I think I’ll send it in around the 1st or 2nd week of January. But you don’t think a long essay-type thing would be bad? It basically discusses my family background a bit and why education is so important to me.</p>
<p>You want to update Admissions with NEW information. So long as the updated information was not previously included in your original application, whatever you write should be fine. Not sure what you mean by long, but I would keep it under 500 words.</p>
<p>Many schools that defer students are very specific about what they do or dont want to see as additional information. Specifically, 1)improved grades 2)improved standardized test scores 3)any material/significant changes in ECs , honors, awards. The personal statement should really be reserved for imparting significant and materially impactful information which you did not previously share.</p>
<p>Isn’t the deadline January 1, 2013 instead this time? According to the defer letter we received:</p>
<p>"[…]</p>
<p>If you have significant new information for your admissions file, including recent grades, test results, activities, or other achievements, please send them directly to <a href=“mailto:fileroom@fas.harvard.edu”>fileroom@fas.harvard.edu</a> using the subject line “Additions to Applications” by January 1, 2013. Extra letters of recommendation are welcome if they might contribute substantially to your application. You can find on our website a list of Frequently Asked Questions regarding Early Action deferral.</p>
<p>You have your best wishes for a rewarding and productive year.</p>
<p>Sincerely,
–William R. Fitzsimmons
Dean of Admissions and Financial Aid"</p>
<p>DS deferral letter had the January 20th date. Are there two letters?</p>
<p>The one sent to me by post said January 1, but the email sent last Thursday said the 20th. I’ll probably just play it safe and submit by the 1st.</p>
<p>Do you think it would be a bad idea to contact the alumni interviewer letting him/her know of your deferral?</p>
<p>Right, same here: the email sent last Thursday said January 20 instead…</p>
<p>ilovecollege95, it is neither a pro nor a con to contact your interviewer about the status of your application. What are they gonna do? Contact admissions and reiterate how they want you rejected? I highly doubt it.</p>
<p>If you have a significant achievement after the deadline, I would send it in right up until the end of March. My son won a major award in early March last year, so he sent in a letter updating this and a couple of other newsy things in his life. It can’t hurt, and although you’ll never know, it could be a tipping point for an applicant on the bubble.</p>