<p>Assuming the applicant has very impressive science awards (grand prize at ISEF, (semi)finalist Siemens, etc.), is it weird if said applicant does not send in a research supplement?</p>
<p>^^ Not really. If you’re a semi-finalist for Seimens (or Intel), that kind of award speaks for itself. That said, many students submit just a simple abstract which gives Admissions the “flavor” of your research project. If Admissions wants to see more, they’ll email you for the full paper. </p>
<p>I know I’m hijacking this thread, but I have a very similar question. I wrote a published piece of non-fiction(ca. 92 pages in A4 format) which both my teachers wrote extensively about in their recommendations. Would it be weird if I didn’t send this in as a supplement? I checked off that I intend submitting a supplement when I sent in my application a couple of weeks ago, something which I perhaps shouldn’t have done… </p>
<p>I don’t think admissions wants to read 92 pages of anything…they absolutely cannot spend that much time on one student. If you have any recognition relating to the piece, then you can send that in - the teacher’s feedback is probably sufficient.</p>
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^^ I absolutely agree! In general Admissions Officers have about about 10-15 minutes to review your file, which includes your transcript, course rigor, guidance counselor’s Secondary School Report, High School Profile, teacher recommendations, list of EC’s and awards and read your essays. AO’s DO NOT have time to read 92 pages of anything, no matter how wonderful it may be. Don’t send it; your teachers comments will suffice.</p>
<p>Thanks for the input! I just thought it would be odd if I didn’t send it in given that it is mentioned quite a lot, but it is a relief for me to know that they wouldn’t have given it too much weight if submitted. </p>
<p>This from a mom from a past Harvard student. Send it in! It just verifies what you are stating on your application and they can choose to read it if they would like. Good luck!</p>
<p>@cx500r - I agree with griffin00 - if it’s good, send it in! Someone might take it home to read, then advocate for you later as a result. The working assumption here is that admissions staffers will also agree that it’s quality work.</p>
<p>^^ I completely disagree. If Admissions wants to read a student’s 92-page epic, they’ll ask for it. (I’ve known students who have received emails from Harvard Admissions Directors asking for their math project, research paper, published novel, etc.) There’s an old Admissions expression “The thicker the file, the thicker the kid.” You don’t want to be seen as the “thick” kid! You want to create interest, not dread. The last thing a student wants is an worked AO saying “Gee, look what I get to take home and read in my spare time!”</p>
<p>^^ They would not read a technical paper, however, they would pass it on to the appropriate dept. if they thought it was worth the effort. I would say only send it in if you know that it is very high-level work worthy of a read by the appropriate dept.</p>
<p>^^ And to follow that up: Not all extra materials are read or forwarded to the appropriate department. It’s done at the discretion of the AO’s and only if they are interested in an applicant after having reviewed the required materials in an applicant’s file: <a href=“Application Requirements”>https://college.harvard.edu/admissions/application-process/application-requirements/supplemental-application-materials</a></p>
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<p>^^ Agreed.</p>
<p>I just called admissions to check and they encouraged me to send it in, even though an AO would skim through it, as they feel it adds to the overall impression they get of an applicant. The topic of the paper aligns perfectly with two of my major ECs, so I’ll probably submit. Thanks for all the advice!</p>