I was just wondering if you could add significant extracurriculars after you submit college apps. So most competitions are held January to later, and I heard some applicants even called to their colleges or something and informed them of awards for their competitions. I’m mainly speaking of F=MA Physics Olympiad (qualifying for USAPhO) and USAMO, because although I’ll try my best to attain those goals, I’m not that confident in doing so this year. I’m still going to try to get those next year regardless – just wondering if it will have an impact though and how you would tell them - just call or something?
You can send an email to the main admissions email at each school with your recent accomplishments and awards after your app is sent in, and ask them to consider it along with the rest of your application. Be sure to include enough identifying info so they can easily link it to your app.
If you have an important achievement after your application has been filed it is fine to send a short (emphasis on short) email to your admissions officer at each school describing your accomplishment. Agree with comment above that you should be sure to include identifying information on the email (ex your full name, SS#, high school).
I think it is better to send it to the general admissions emails. Those admissions officers change jobs, leave, take medical leave, get reassigned – and the schools don’t always keep up the website. They are pretty bad about answering in the busiest part of admissions season, too. If you send it to the general mailbox, they will get it to the right officer. Also, don’t pepper them with emails if you have multiple accomplishments. Save them up. Maybe one email at the end of January, and one about 2/3 of the way through February if you have more stuff that happens. But if you don’t have accomplishments, don’t bother them.