<p>I posted this on another forum too, but this is a little urgent...</p>
<p>I am wondering wether or not it's a good idea to send a third update to Harvard. I sent one 5 weeks ago, and then another 2 weeks ago. The first one said basically that I was an STS Semifinalist, and also included some small awards. The second said that I was accepted to a prestigious level of this conference for research, and also included that I won a debate tournament.</p>
<p>Now, I've been invited to write a chapter in an upper-level undergraduate textbook in bioinformatics. Should I fax a letter notifying them of this? It's really late, and I don't want to drown them in paper, but I was deferrend and this may help... </p>
<p>Again, as I've stated in other threads, it doesn't hurt to try. Just submit updates and hope for the best. At least in the end, you'll know you put your best foot forward.</p>
<p>Writing a chapter is indeed an accomplishment, and if you have already done this, by all means report it. Being invited to write a chapter is something different. Although it may be considered an honor, it's not been accomplished yet. You may report it if you wish, but I doubt it will add much to your file.</p>
<p>Just make sure that it's specific, mentioning the publisher... even if the admissions people don't care, it sounds much better than just saying "I've been invited to write a chapter in an upper-level textbook."</p>
<p>Quilt--Are you serious? Just being invited to as a high school student is a HUGE accomplishment and I am extremely impressed for Zogoto right now. Congrats, man! It might be too late but definitely let them know!!</p>
<p>"Should I fax a letter notifying them of this? It's really late, and I don't want to drown them in paper, but I was deferrend and this may help... "</p>
<p>Drowning is unlikely - send your update and best of luck to you!</p>
<p>yeah I sent an update today that would potentially make a significant impact on my application. I don't know if they'll get to it, but I figured it was worth the chance that they might.</p>
<p>Is anyone familiar with Harvard's policy regarding materials at this point, or any of the other top schools for that matter? Byerly? :)</p>
<p>I don't know about Harvard specifically, but for every school I do know about, the horse trading by the adcoms continues right up until the very hour the notices go out - with people going off the reject pile and onto the accept pile and vice versa.</p>
<p>So if you have any last minute achievements (worthy ones, not junk awards), SEND THEM! They can't hurt and they may just push you over the top.</p>
<p>Hope it works for you, too, stamliark41. I just sent out additional rec letters my husband wrote for a young man a year behind my son ... hope that works, too!</p>
<p>What did you mean by "accidentally sent them 90 pages of papers"?</p>
<p>As far as your question, I would definitely send them a short letter by fax or mail. Be short and to the point, and as specific as possible, mentioning the title and publisher of the to-be-published textbook. You may also mention who requested that you write the chapter-- the publisher or main author.</p>
<p>I would end the letter with a sentence like: "Harvard is my first choice in college, and I would definitely attend if I were accepted." Remember to thank the committee.</p>
<p>Don't be "cute" and try to pull any silly tricks (like sending the adcom a birthday cake--- they actually DO get stuff like this!) Make the letter as short and to the point as possible.</p>