<p>Basically, my updates consist of extra activities and some awards. And I have two questions:
Is it okay to just send a list of those things and some explanations? (I personally think an extra rec won’t help)
How should I do that? Faxing? I am an international student so this may be a bit hard. Not impossible, though. Do I need to e-mail the admissions office in advance?
And please share some insights on things that I may have to bear in mind, like “remember to write your application information at the top corner” and stuff.
THX!</p>
<p>You might want to write a LOCI (Letter of Continued Interest).</p>
<p>Dear so and so, please know that Amherst remains my first choice (you might want to use more genuine language). I’m writing to let you know that I’ve begun to be involved in so-and-so with the result that so-and-so. Moreover, I’ve been awarded so-and-so, which means yadda yadda. Thank you for your time, etc.</p>
<p>I prefaced all of my communications with colleges with my name, date of birth, U.S. social security number, the name and address of my high school.</p>
<p>I recommend you address the letter to a particular dean, and that you send the letter by mail. I hope this isn’t insensitive on my part, because I’m not in the know about the pricing and speed of international mail.</p>
<p>Faxing is a very good alternative, a better one, even.</p>
<p>It wouldn’t hurt to e-mail the office in advance to secure a response.</p>
<p>I recently sent a LOCI to Amherst via snail mail. I have friends who sent their letters via email though, and they have received acknowledgements from colleges. Either way works, but I always feel better with snail mail. It’s seem very legit somehow.</p>
<p>kiterunner18, I personally prefer snail mail. (I used Priority Mail. 2-3 day delivery, guaranteed, and the recipient has to sign to receive it).</p>
<p>You can address it to a particular dean, and you’ll know for sure that he’ll have solid copies of your materials in his hand, and that he’ll read them and afterward add them to your file when you are finally reviewed.</p>
<p>Faxing and e-mailing are both fine solutions too.</p>
<p>Kwu, I was considering doing a LOCI, but isn’t that something that is done often - therefore, losing it’s “personal” touch? And how much would it weigh in for Amherst? Let’s say OP has something sticking out on his/her application (such as low SATs), would it help significantly?</p>
<p>In my opinion, one shouldn’t send a LOCI unless one has something substantial to add to one’s application, such as awards or co-curricular accomplishments.</p>
<p>LOCIs have the most weight for deferred ED candidates and waitlisted candidates.</p>