Harvard supp. confusion

<p>I'm new to the college application process. So I have a few questions concerning the harvard supp apps?</p>

<p>1) Must I fill the supp by hand or on computer? I tried to search for where to enter it online, but couldn't find it
2) If I don’t want to send any talents, do I need to fill out the form?
3) By what date should I have them completed?
4) Should I still submit the supplements early if I also do Questbridge?
5) So I did a competitive essay competition and was ranked amongst top 25 essayists around the world (there are 2000 who applied), and this only opens to 18+ so most are in undergrad or grad school. The essay I wrote is 10 pages long. Should I still submit it to harvard?</p>

<p>Hey! I’m new to this too, but I’ll answer all the questions I can:</p>

<p>2) The supp app is an extension of Harvard’s application; you must fill it out
3) It depends on if you are applying Early Action (November 1st) or Regular Decision (January 1st)</p>

<p>Good Luck!</p>

<p>I’ll answer what I can, and what harvard36 hasn’t already answered.</p>

<ol>
<li>Online is preferred. Did you add Harvard to your “My Colleges” list? If you did, go to “Supplements” on the left side and Harvard should be one of the options.</li>
<li>I would suggest that you submit the essay in the “Additional Info” section of the application. It’s somewhere near the end; you can upload a document. Make sure to note the essay contest somewhere in your application, too, so they know why you’re attaching the essay.</li>
</ol>

<p>Does anyone know how long (word count) the harvard supplement essay should be?</p>

<p>Not specified, but should somehow be similar as the common essay.</p>

<p>Disclaimer: The facts I state are from last year, there are potential changes.</p>

<ol>
<li><p>For the supplements, they tend to have a separate portion for Harvard. Supplements are not mandatory from what I remember, but do help the admissions officers get to know you more. You can do it via computer (like Common Application), or by hand, but most people do it via Common Application. Also note, I called the Harvard office about how long the essay should be (recommended). They told me that 2 pages is sufficient enough. If it is a research essay or any competitive type of essay, then this recommendation of page limit is of no help.</p></li>
<li><p>There is a separate supplement for talents (like the Art Supplement), which is different from the general supplement. Be aware that if you are really talented (like competition wins status), it is recommended that you send one so that the people get to know how truly talented you are. If you don’t have a talent, it is not necessary to send a “talent supplement”</p></li>
<li><p>Date is not really a pressing issue. It is more like get it sent in before the deadline (before January 1st?) and how well-written the essays are. Don’t believe the suspicion that the earlier you send the application, the higher your chances are of getting in.</p></li>
<li><p>Not too sure on Questbridge. I didn’t attempt to do it, since it was so difficult to fill out / finish on time. Sorry ):</p></li>
<li><p>If you think the essay will portray you better / show your potential, then definitely do so.</p></li>
</ol>