Hey all. I’ve already submitting all of my RD applications, and I’ll hear back from the colleges sometime in late March or early April.
After I submitted all my applications, I earned the state seal of biliteracy, my cross-country skiing team won our league championship, and I placed high at the cross-country skiing state championship. Are these the sorts of things that are worth updating admissions on at the schools I applied to? If so, what’s the best way to do that?
Thanks so much! 
Hi! Well first off, congrats on your achievements. Typically (especially for highly selective colleges), updates are most useful when it’s a really big honor or award that is significant enough to move the needle in college admissions.
That said, there’s no harm in sending in an update. Worst case scenario, there will be no change in your application status. So I say if it helps you feel better, go ahead and send them in! You never know what might help.
The update process is different for every school. Some (like Harvard and Princeton) allow you to upload updates directly through your applicant portal, but most schools will also accept it if you email it to the admissions office with your application reference number. If you’re still confused, you can make a quick call to the admissions office and ask for more information.
Hope that helps!
I don’t think any of the achievements you mentioned will make a real difference in terms of college admissions. However if you do choose to update colleges that is fine. Some schools prefer updates through the portal and others will necessitate an email to your admissions officer.
If you do decide to send an update keep it short and sweet as admissions officers are swamped this time of year. You can reaffirm your interest in the college and briefly describe your recent achievements. FWIW I’d probably leave out the team league championship and focus on your personal accomplishments.
A high placement in a state championship of something recognizably impressive could make a difference at colleges that consider extracurriculars.
@ucbalumnus My opinion was based on the OP’s previous chance post …the application would have already noted strong times and a top 5 state finish in cross country skiing.so the EC should be well documented.
Again, as I noted in my earlier post if the OP wants to send a brief update it is perfectly fine.
I had a notable achievement after I submitted my applications and I chose to just notify my top choice college. Not sure if it made a difference or not, but I did get in. :)) I’d definitely recommend doing it, can’t hurt.
I’d notify. It can’t hurt, could help. Just ask that the additional information be considered as part of your application, and reiterate your interest in the school. That is what my kids did.