This is a stressful time for ambitious teens, as many are pressing the button on their first college application submissions. Hitting–and hoping and wondering about their futures. Here’s a trick/tip that really works. Your life is moving fast–it’s moving at Vine video, Snapchat, Internet speed, in fact. That application–despite your care and thoroughness–is already dated. Convey that excitement to the admissions people. How? If you interviewed at the school, write directly to the person you interviewed with. If not, just choose someone in the admissions department. And write to them to share your news. To update your application. What news, you ask?
Well, how about the news about you possibly securing an interview with Jeff Koons, your congressperson, Anderson Cooper or Bethany Mota? Just do or find something that is so wonderful you’d be remiss not to include it in your file. With the idea that you’d be doing the college a disservice, actually, by not letting them know about how rapidly and excitingly your life is changing. It’s a bit of extra contact to make you stand out and show your sustained enthusiasm and desire. Try some version of the note below. Good luck!
Dear ___, I eagerly submitted my application to ___ on November 12. I’m writing now to share an important update to my application. The research for my book/film/documentary project about sexism in the workplace has taken a large step forward just this week with the recent story about the Karl Stefanonic, news anchor who wore the same suit every day for a year to prove a point about male/female expectations. It looks like I’ll have a chance to interview Mr. Stefanonic, which should be a key element in success of my project. I realize you’re extremely busy, but I thought this development was an important part of what I hope to bring to ____ University in the fall–and I hoped to add the note about my ongoing work to my application.”
