<p>I am really freaking out right now. I was deferred from Harvard back in December. As soon as I got deferred, I made a list of things that would compile a final "update package" to Harvard and set out on getting all those updates, recommendation letters, and test scores. My plan was to have it shipped out in a neat little package when my January SAT scores came out (in mid-February). I had thought that that would be acceptable since they DID accept the SAT scores and many posts here indicate that updates can be sent even well up into late February and early March. However, I just learned that Harvard EXPLICITLY tells deferred students to send all updates by January 20th on their letter of deferral. Did I mess up badly? If so, I am confused at why deferred students have such a strict deadline for updates while other regular decision folks seem to have a "send an update if you have it" sort of deal...</p>
<p>Why not send your stuff in and hope for the best? Maybe there’s an unacknowledged grace period.</p>
<p>Can someone else help with this? I’m really stressed out. How strict is this deadline. Will harvard accept it now or in feb?</p>
<p>Harvard will accept your materials whenever you send them in. However, you should send in all your materials ASAP, as it gives the Admissions Committee more time to review the materials. If you send everything in mid to late February that only gives the committee 2-3 weeks before they must start their final deliberations.</p>
<p>Ok. Thank-you. Does anyone know if Harvard will penalize a late addition, assuming it makes it in time for them to look at it…will they think “oh this reflects bad on the person”.</p>
<p>To Anxious Much:</p>
<p>Stop whimpering and just send the stuff in! Decisions are made preliminarily on a regional basis and the deadlines for consideration by region are a while off.</p>
<p>LOL ok good sir. I’ll stop worrying.</p>
<p>When DO the regional committees meet anyways; when is the deadline for regional consideration. I’d like to not mess up again and miss this deadline (but also have time to finish some stuff I want to add).</p>
<p>Harvard reads applications in the the order of completion. If your file was “complete” by January 20th, they might have read it already and made a preliminary decision. If that has happened, your additional materials (whenever you send them in) will require the file room to re-open your file and have a regional officer take a second look. Best get a move on!</p>
<p>I hope you sent those materials in as soon as possible instead of whining like a little ***** about it, anyways best of luck to you.</p>