Extended Essay Supplement?

Colleges and Universities A-Z Harvard University
1

<p>Hi all,</p>

<p>I'm currently wrapping up my RD application and getting it in, but I have one last minute question about the supplement. I have an essay that I wrote in one of my college composition classes junior year that I think exemplifies my current writing very well, and I would like to submit it for consideration with my application. At first I thought I should submit it as an additional essay, but since it's a full-fledged paper (w/ Works Cited, etc.) close to 3000 words I'm wondering if it's better to fax it out as supplementary material instead. Would it be best to fax it as supplementary material or is it okay to attach it as an additional essay with a side-note that it's a paper from my comp. class?</p>

<p>Also, it's okay if supplementary materials are faxed out within a few days after the deadline as long as the application itself is submitted on time, right?</p>

2

<p>It is probably better to fax it as supplementary material. And yes, you have a bit of leeway ro fax it, do not worry about that.</p>

3

<p>Alrighty then, thanks!</p>

4

<p>Do you really think they want to read a 3000 word essay?</p>

5

<p>^^ Or, more to the point: </p>

<p>An Admission Officer has about 15 minutes to read your file, which includes your transcript, SAT/ACT scores, SAT Subject Test scores, AP scores, high school profile, guidance counselor report, two teacher recommendations, list of extracurricular activities and your essays. </p>

<p>With thousands of students applying, Admissions Officers barely have enough time to read all the required elements of your file and DO NOT have the time to read an additional 3000 word essay. At best, they might read the opening paragraph and the closing paragraph and skim the rest. At worst, you might catch them in an overwhelming moment of frustration, and they’ll pitch your file across the room. There’s an old adage in Admissions: “The thicker the file, the thicker the kid.” You don’t want to be the “thick” kid!</p>

<p>If your essays are exemplarily, they should define your writing style without the need to submit another 3000 word essay.</p>

6

<p>@Gibby what about about people who submit large science papers? Surely they are much longer than 3,000 words.</p>

7

<p>If an Admissions Officer is truly interested in an applicant, they will forward the research science paper on to an academic department for review. Not all research science papers get forwarded for review though; much depends on how interested they are in a student from the required elements of a file.</p>

8

<p>3000 words is way too long!</p>