LOCI questions!

Colleges and Universities A-Z Harvard University
1

I got deferred by Harvard Early Action, and I heard now is the best time to submit a LOCI. The main issue is that I have a debate tournament in 3 weeks, which I hope to do well in, so should wait until then to send in the LOCI or send it in now and email the update?

Second, I have a YouTube channel, in which I create educational videos. I’ve only got one super-long video up right now, but I’ve been working for weeks to get a new one up this week. Should I include a link to that video in my LOCI or at least notify them that I uploaded a new video?

Third, I did spend a summer at Harvard’s Summer School, and it was where I gained my interest in the field in which I hope to major. Would it be appropriate to talk about why Harvard is still my top choice by relating it to the wonderful experiences I had there and discussing how I would contribute and fit in to the environment (i.e. meeting and interacting with students who recently became Rhodes scholars, talking about how I regularly and extensively spoke to several Harvard students in a group about my interests, etc.)?

Finally, how long should the LOCI be and should it just be submitted to the Applicant Portal?

Thanks!

2
  1. Yes, wait the 3 weeks. Your LOCI will still arrive in plenty of time.
  2. Why not; go for it!
  3. No, Harvard doesn't care why you are interested in the school, or why it's your first choice -- that's why they specially DON"T ask "Why Harvard?" I woundn't mention it.
  4. Any length you want, but I wouldn't go more than 1/2 page -- be clear and succinct. Remember, "Less is more." Yes, submit through Applicant portal.
3

I’ll copy what I wrote in a similar discussion on the Princeton forum.