I recently won 4th place in Chemistry Lab at my regional science olympiad competition and will be competing at the state level later in the year. I was wondering if it is worth sending an update to the colleges I have applied to? If so, how do I let them know? Would they even look at updates at this point?
Only send updates to colleges that defer or waitlist you. Most students have some update of similar importance, and adcom knows that. It’s likely not going to make a difference at this point.
Might help if you were deferred or waitlisted, but it also depends upon the number of competitors involved in the science olympiad / chemistry. If just 5, then 4th place may not be worth metioning, but if 4th out of a 100 competitors, then worthwhile to mention if waitlisted or deferred.
I think it is fine to send a very brief update. Just keep it short and sweet – in no more than a few sentences you should be able to describe your accomplishment and reaffirm your interest in the college. It may not make a difference, but it won’t hurt.