Adding a "Why X" essay now Forum

(Applications Advice, Letters of Recommendation . . . )
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sandiego222

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Adding a "Why X" essay now

Post by sandiego222 » Sat Jan 28, 2012 9:11 pm

If you send a school a "Why X" application now as an addendum, would that hold up your application?

Basically, is this only a good thing to do? Or would it be bad, given that it could restart the review of your application/ push you to the back of the line again?

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fashiongirl

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Re: Adding a "Why X" essay now

Post by fashiongirl » Sun Jan 29, 2012 1:58 am

I'm wondering this too. I just sent a diversity statement to my already completed application.

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cmob

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Re: Adding a "Why X" essay now

Post by cmob » Sun Jan 29, 2012 4:36 pm

I've asked this question to adcoms in the past month, specifically in the T-14 schools. The response was that it wasn't necessary but always a plus if you have something useful to add. They then add it to your file; optional information usually should not reset your application status. If so, the waves of LOCIs, Why X's, and additional LORs in the Spring would be logistically impractical for schools.

I've written 2 letters in January and have sent it directly to one of the admissions staff after asking permission. They are both in a LOCI format because, in comparison to Why X, I believe it better recognizes and accounts for the late submission dynamic. Why X, to me, implies dream school, which also would suggest that I'm pretty lazy to wait until now to say so. Things don't add up and I don't want adcoms to fill in the blank as to why (rejected everywhere else, lazy, insincere). Cite something recent (I use change of personal situation / goals, new research about the school) so that way the reader can view the letter as an important cog in your commitment and not just a reiteration of your application.

Just my opinion.

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fashiongirl

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Re: Adding a "Why X" essay now

Post by fashiongirl » Mon Jan 30, 2012 12:51 pm

^Good advice. I think I'll weave a Why X into my LOCI if I am waitlisted at my #1. I actually called the admissions office after confirming my tour, and then asked if I could submit a DS since I didn't see it in the application. They said yes, I sent it as an attachment after we hung up, and they sent me a confirmation email within 5 mins telling me that they received it. I think that was the best way for me to submit a DS but for a WhyX I would go with cmob's advice.

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