Normally I would err on the side of not sending updates to my colleges just to tell them every bit of my life since I applied, but I feel like my current situation is a good exception. This past weekend I qualified for an International convention and a National competition, both which are highly selective in nature. Some colleges ie Yale have an option on the applicant portal that allows you to send them updates. So my question is A. Should I send them this update, and B. what should I write about in my update? Should I also try to write about some important insight I gained from these experiences, or is it better to just give the cut and dry results? Thanks in advance!!
Imagine you are a admissions person.
You might take a look at an update, but you don’t have tons of time. I think I would want to know what did you need to do to get this opporunity (random selection? Winning a competition? Making it through local and national competitions?_ and what will you do with this opportunity. And then maybe tie it in with what you would continue at Yale.
"I am writing to let you know I have qualified for the International Convention of X. To be eligible for this opportunity, I had to make it through the local and national blah blah. I was chosen/I competed with Y people and was one of only 6 people chosen. At the convention I will be (what you will be doing…showing leadership, technical expertise, speaking/whate4ver). I have also qualified for the B National Convention. (kind of show the same thing as above).
If admitted at Yale, I am looking to continue my (what ever this is related to) experience by participating in (things that Yale does in that area) [ or starting some new thing].
It’s kind of late in the game to be sending any updates since decisions are being released in a few weeks. If the portal will still allow it, I guess you can update, but at this point, I don’t think it’s going to move the needle. Bopper gives good advice at what to say if you choose to update.
I agree that it probably won’t move the needle, but you don’t want to think “what if”.
It is hard to know if it will help at this late date, but it can’t hurt to send in an update. If the school has a portal you can use that or else write an email to your admissions officer. Please recognize that admissions officers are swamped right now. Send in a brief update that 1) reaffirms your interest in the school and 2) says what competitive competitions you qualified for/how you qualified. Keep it short and sweet – the note should not be more than a paragraph.
I’d update with the bare minimum. If they see more than a few lines they won’t read it right now.
Also note that some schools have removed the update tabs from their portals. Not sure if this is true for Yale.
I would advise you to send in the update but keep it simple.
@bopper Thank you for your advice!! I agree with getting straight to the point and being impactful with my words. I appreciate your example for writing the update!
Yes, I think I’ll send in a very brief update. I’m not looking for it to be a hugely impactful result but sending it in leaves me with no regrets :). Thanks all for your help!