<p>GARH. I just did something so incredibly stupid that I can barely even BELIEVE that I did it. For the longest time, it just didn’t register in my mind that I had to do a common application form for Barnard. I guess that the Barnard transfer supplement looked so long that my brain just registered it as a separate application. So, for one of the questions (“How has attending college so far shaped one aspect of your educational and/or personal development?”), I basically copied the part of my common application that talked about that; however, last minute I realized that Barnard wanted the common app, so I sent it also. I completely disregarded the fact that they will SEE the common app that I copied from for the supplement!! Now, I will look either stupid, lazy, or, worse, like I just didn’t care enough to write them a unique answer! How stupid of me! And worse, I only JUST realized my mistake! Even if I mailed out a new response monday, it is still almost two weeks after the deadline (Nov. 1). Do you think that they already read the essays? :(</p>
<p>Damn, I usually never make such silly mistakes… :(</p>
<p>I wish someone could assure me that I am overreacting, but I’m pretty sure that I am out for Barnard, right? Any advice?</p>
<p>Hi,
I'm so sorry to hear about your mistake. I have no idea how to fix it or really how to proceed. But I think you should keep two things in mind:
1. It is easy to make these mistakes when you're swamped with applications, especially if you apply online. So don't feel like a horrible person for this.
2. I don't think an application should come down to one thing, and it sucks that this mistake is present, but hopefully your other qualifications and essays will show them a good picture of who you are.
As for apoligizing and sending a new response, I don't think it's a horrible strategy. A letter saying that you recently reviewed the copy of the application you kept for your records and realized a copy and paste error had been made which you would like to rectify, if possible. Say that what you really wanted to get across in that essay, the way you really feel, is blank. Try to make this a good answer and be sincere?
I have no idea if this is the right way to proceed, and I was actually waitlisted at Barnard, not accepted, so I'm not an authority. But I hope you find this comforting!</p>
<p>I think writing a letter explaining the mistake and reiterating how important Barnard is to you would be a fine idea. Possible you could call admissions and explain that the letter is on the way???</p>
<p>I do not see how writing a letter ASAP could be a bad thing...even send it over-night to be sure it arrives as soon as it can. "Slant" this thng so you have the opportunity to convey very convicingly how college has shaped your life so far and how Barnard will shape your life in the future. Perhaps make it funny but don't spend too much time on explanations: just that you realized you had (as HopefultransferA said) "made a copy/paste error. Just be sure to include NEW info in what you send to them...</p>
<p>Still remember when D1 first realized, on the deadline date that applications had to be mailed, that the most selective school she was applying to had a supplemental essay that she had completely overlooked.</p>
<p>I think it was just one essay, but an important one which deserved, but did not receive, much thought and work to do well. However I could be wrong.</p>
<p>She wrote some crap at the last minute, because that's all the time she had.</p>