Submitting Research Paper

Colleges and Universities A-Z Harvard University
1

<p>Today I got an email from a Harvard admission counselor saying that she would like me to submit a research paper for review. I was curious if this meant anything. Thanks :)</p>

2

<p>It means that Admissions wants to forward your paper to the relevant department for review. I would take it at face value – just Admissions doing their due diligence.</p>

3

<p>Does that mean something positive?</p>

4

<p>No, it means that Admissions is not taking a student’s word for it that their paper is good and wants the relevant academic department to review it. It’s not positive until the student gets a glowing report back from the academic department that says, “This is way above average for a high school student!” – and I imagine that does not happen often.</p>

5

<p>Does this also mean they are interested but need further information?</p>

6

<p>No; Admissions treats every student the same way. If you have submitted an abstract, or proclaim your research work won awards, Admissions is going to want the relevant academic department to evaluate your project. They would do the same if you submitted an art portfolio, music portfolio, or computer science project. They are just doing their due diligence and examining the additional materials submitted by all students… DO NOT read anything into it, otherwise you will get your hopes up for no reason at all.</p>

7

<p>Thanks Gibby. </p>

<p>How about you didn’t submit the paper as a supplement, admission officer read your file and then personally asked you to send research paper?</p>

8

<p>^^ Same response as post #6. I know many students that were asked for examples of their math projects or research report in past years, who were either rejected or waitlisted. DO NOT read anything into it, otherwise you will get your hopes up for no reason at all.</p>

9

<p>@clementines,</p>

<p>On the positive side, if your work is ‘good enough,’ you have a decent chance at getting in (I’m not sure how much is ‘enough’ though).</p>

<p>OTOH, read this but do NOT get demoralized: <a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/harvard-university/1292719-emailed-harvard-admissions-officer.html[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/harvard-university/1292719-emailed-harvard-admissions-officer.html&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

<p>Besides, now that they’ve asked you to send in your work, I guess you should do just that. You don’t have a choice really. I don’t see the benefits you’re reaping by thinking too much about this. Just do it :wink: (NIKE!)</p>

<p>Best of Luck!</p>