<p>So I realize it is extremely late in the application process, about 3 weeks from decision day...</p>
<p>But one of my teachers offered to write me a recommendation today, and, in fact, already has it written. I read it and it is amazing. She speaks about how I am the best math student she's had in all of her years teaching. Absolutely glowing and spectacular. </p>
<p>Is it worth it to send it in to Yale so late?</p>
<p>(What sparked her offer was the fact that I made GMS finalist and she got the email because she was the recommender.)</p>
<p>Also, should I update my colleges about my GMS finalist status?</p>
<p>There’s not much harm in it. Either Yale will get it on time and will be able to take it into account during their decision, or they won’t get it on time and it won’t make a difference (apart from maybe spending a dollar or so in vain).</p>
<p>I have no idea what GMS is. If it’s a really amazing honour, then sure, try updating your colleges. If not, you can probably leave it.</p>
<p>May I submit supplementary letters of recommendation?</p>
<p>If you feel the need to submit extra information, you may ask one additional recommender to write on your behalf. Please do not solicit this additional letter unless you feel it will add substantially to your application. The writer should know you well personally or have mentored you closely in some capacity. For example, if you have engaged in advanced scientific research, you should consider asking your research mentor to write a letter of recommendation for you. Please ask that person to include the following at the top of their letter: your full, legal name as it appears in your application, the name and location of your high school, and your date of birth. The letter should be labeled “Supplementary” to avoid confusion.</p>
<p>Also, this is under the Supplemental section:</p>
<p>We do not encourage you to submit additional letters of recommendation, resumes, or personal essays; these are less likely to shed helpful new light on your application.</p>
<p>The teacher in question is a close family friend and understands a lot of the context surrounding my transcript. This is partly why I wished to submit it.</p>
<p>As it’s so late in the process – there’s really only 2 weeks left for the Admissions Office to make their final determination, as they need to send the financial aid office a list of admitted applicants, so financial aid can be calculated, packaged and sent along with acceptance envelopes – I have a contrarian way to look at your situation. Hold off on having your teacher write the letter until after you hear from Yale. If you are a viable candidiate and get deferred, your third teacher’s letter could be used as a final push. As it stands now, with so little time remaining, your teacher’s letter might not be given sufficient due before decisions are made.</p>
<p>^^ SEND A FAX, as paper spewing out of a fax machine demands attention, whereas an email can sit there for days before it’s opened. Type up something along the lines of:</p>
<p>March 8, 2013</p>
<p>Dear Yale Admissions,</p>
<p>I know this is very last minute, but I wanted to share with you the good news that I just qualified as a finalist for the Gates Millennium Scholarship. Please see the attached email.</p>
<p>I am so much looking forward to attending Yale! Boola Boola!</p>
<p>All best,</p>
<p>theAkzis
Your high school
Your date of birth</p>
<p>I sent an update to the email address <a href=“mailto:apply.questions@yale.edu”>apply.questions@yale.edu</a> but I never got a response/confirmation of receipt. This was back in early February. Does this mean they likely never received/read/opened the email? Harvard sent me a confirmation of receipt, so I’m not sure if Yale does the same or just takes the update without responding…?</p>