If you were the AO, would you be annoyed or happy?

Colleges and Universities A-Z Harvard University
1

OK here is the story and my dilemma.

I have been in touch with the AO who reads apps from my state. I also met her in person during her ECO visit. I have sent her few emails with relevant questions and she responded promptly and informatively. Last contact was to let her know that my app was in - she responded saying she looks forward to reading it and to expect my alum interview.

Thanks to Google, I know her DOB. My dilemma is whether to send her a Happy Birthday email or not. I have read stories about people sending flowers and teddy bears and gifts to AOs, but I don’t want to do something stupid, if such an email might annoy her and / or raise a question like “why is this guy / gal snooping around with my personal thingies”.

So, if you were that AO, how would you take such an email?

2

Ugh, I wouldn’t like it AT ALL. Too stalkerish.

3

Agree with above. My school’s counselors have recommended that we not do anything like this.

4

Nope. Don’t do it.

5

Would you be wishing her a happy birthday because you really care about her day, or because you are trying to cast yourself in a positive light? IMO, it would be seen as totally self-serving and not genuine. If you get accepted and enroll, then wish her a happy birthday next year, but for now, skip it.

6

I would be very uncomfortable with this

7

I would be neither annoyed nor happy, but totally creeped out.

8

That would make you extremely memorable – in the worst way possible.

Wanna guarantee a rejection? Go wish her a happy birthday.

The Ivy admissions directors have an annual gathering to discuss best practices. Informally, they vie for a prize of the most bizarre/over the top story related to admissions. Harvard tends to win a lot. If this is any consolation, a stalkerish birthday wish to the AO wouldn’t win the prize any longer.

9

Thank you all for your inputs.

Anyone else here that disagrees (or agrees) with the above inputs?

10

Nope, it’s a ridiculous idea and for Harvard, quadruple that. Suggests you don’t know what matters to Harvard. Or that more than one person is responsible for the decisions. Think.

11

I’m very confused why everyone is saying not to do it. The AO’s are normal people - they’re not trying to psychoanalyze everything you do. As normal people, they would OF COURSE be touched that you wished them. You KNOW your AO isn’t the only one reading your app, so they have little reason to be annoyed or misread your intentions. No, I think it’s a great way for you to humanize your application and be be decent human being. Go for it!

12

I would be “touched” if a Facebook friend or even acquaintance wished me a happy birthday when they got a notice of it. That’s not what this case is. I would be a little freaked out and think, “What a kiss up!” if an applicant did it.

13

The vote is 8 to 1 against doing it. Now it’s up to you!

14

Do not sabotage yourself! STOP! DO NOT DO IT!!

15

The majority has spoken. As we are not conducting polls here, there really is nothing more to say. Closing thread.