<p>I haven't really done a whole lot, but I've won a couple of small awards, picked up a new instrument, finalized my plans to do research over the summer, and got National Merit Finalist (not that someone who got Semifinalist wouldn't, but whatever). Would it be worth it to send a letter to all of my schools, or should I just wait for my decision in April, since I haven't really done anything major?</p>
<p>Why not it make your app look better I guess.</p>
<p>I’m in the same position as you. I decided to go through with writing the letters - what’s the worst that could happen? The letter looks like you care, IMO.</p>
<p>This is what colleges want to know: Are there any major achievements in your life that could tilt the decision in your favor. In your case, that’s the awards and NMF. Definitely notify them of NMF, but the awards are at your discretions. If they’re truly trifling, I wouldn’t bother–try and put yourself in an adcom’s shoes and consider the real impact of those achievements. </p>
<p>As for how to notify them, a quick, polite email should be fine.</p>
<p>This is my honest opinion:</p>
<p>If you get wait listed, send them. Don’t send them unless that happens. If you get rejected, those small awards wouldn’t have made a difference. The National merit finalist is different though…definitely send that in.</p>
<p>What do you have to lose by sending the letter? If you’re rejected and didn’t send the letter, you’ll always wonder, “what if?”</p>
<p>I disagree. If you are rejected, a letter would not have made a difference. If you are wait-listed, then it will.</p>