My application was centered upon my love of physics, I even devoted the whole essay to describe such an involvement. However, I have done no authentic work or original research, and I did not claim in my app that I did. I just received an email from an admission officer asking me for “best academic work in physics for our faculty to review”. I am really baffled, as all what I have done in physics was things like deriving already existent equations from others, and such work.
What should I do?
@ahmedsheta, maybe admissions got the impression from your essay that you did some original research? Or they just assumed as much.
In your reply to them, you need to be honest, but I would phrase a response that can help your application. Harvard is definitely considering your application. Since you don’t really have any work for the “faculty to review”, I would suggest a response something like this:
"Dear Harvard,
Thank you for contacting me and considering my application for Harvard. While I have not conducted any original research in physics, I truly love the field of physics. Here are my top three reasons for seeking an undergraduate degree in physics:
1). As discussed in my essay, my involvement with…
2). Second top reason
3). Third top reason
Again, thank you for contacting me and giving me the opportunity to elaborate on my love of physics.
Sincerely,
xxx"
Don’t just reply and say, “sorry no original work in physics”. Write a response that can emphasize your love of physics and specify the top 3 reasons for the interest.
Good luck.
@ahmedsheta - first off, congrats. That definitely is a positive sign. Second, I would not rush to respond to them. Mull over it tonight. I am sure you will come up with something to write. As @HYPSPlease wrote - explain it in your reply. Last, not having read the full email, I can’t tell what exactly they asked for. My suggestion is for you to give it to someone to read it totally unbiased. That way, you are not overreading what they have asked for. Good luck and please keep us posted.
@MedSciBud has a good point about having someone else read the email. Maybe you are thinking they are looking for original research, Maybe they aren’t? Is it possible they just want some academic work - possibly from the physics “involvement” you described in your essay or academic work in physics even if just “deriving [from] already existent equations” for a faculty member to review?
Bottom line though, don’t just reply with “sorry no original work”. Craft a response that shows you in the best possible light.
Thank you guys very much, I will keep you updated!
But do not lead with the fact you have not done original research. Do not make that their first impression. Start with what IS positive.
And please: asking for something that shows the best level is not asking for “original research.” Next to no hs kids do truly original work. Adcoms and faculty know that.
FWIW: Your best academic work could be a paper or PowerPoint presentation you’ve written or done for class, it doesn’t have to be research.
@ahmedsheta - just checking in with moral support. Did you reply to the AO yet?
Having a faculty review of your app is a really good thing. It means the AO wants someone with discipline knowledge to review your app to see how good you are compared to other potential students.