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Harvard Additional Essay Question?
On the Harvard Supplement, it says:
"We do not expect or require applicants to submit supplementary materials or additional essays. We simply want to be certain that you have every opportunity to tell us about yourself."
And:
"Occasionally, students feel that college application forms do not provide sufficient opportunity to convey important information about themselves or their accomplishments. If there is something you would like us to know, please inform us below. If you wish to include an additional essay, you may do so."
I have read that it and heard that a lot of Harvard students advised you not to write an additional essay, but I feel like I should. On the Common App, I answered that Illocano was my first language (JUST my first language) and that I'm able to speak, read, and write in English, which easily indicates that I have forgotten my language. Should I go ahead and explain how and why I have forgotten my native tongue?
Thanks.
What I meant by "(JUST my first language)" is that I wrote down "Illocano" checked off the "First language" box. I didn't write down "Illocano was my first language (JUST my first language)."
2 Answers
- MavistheMavenLv 79 years agoFavorite Answer
No, it won't help your chances at all to let them know you forgot any knowledge or skills you once had. They want to know about your achievements and personality, about things that make you special or different from all the other spectacularly-qualified applicants. It's always better to highlight positive things and to hide negative ones.
What you wrote about Illocano being just your first language doesn't actually imply that you forgot it. I'm sensing that you want to emphasize that you're completely fluent and comfortable in English now, but the quality of your writing will show that. In fact, if you still have the app and can revise it, I'd change "Illocano was my first language (JUST my first language)" to something like "Illocano was my first language, but English has become my primary language..." That's clearer than "JUST my first language," which they may not realize means it no longer has the role of primary language for you.
Now, if the story of how you came to lose that language is something that would make you stand out, such as immigrating here or being adopted by Americans, you could write about that. If you suffered in an orphanage or had a big adjustment from your original culture to American culture, that could make for a worthwhile essay.
Just realize that most of the students applying to Harvard are very, very highly qualified, and Harvard must still reject 9 out of every 10 of them. So don't write an additional essay just to get extra attention. Make very sure it really will enhance your application.
- hadsonLv 45 years ago
"it would not truly clarify something too new approximately me" and "could in basic terms be used if i'm attempting to describe something no longer defined interior the applying" It sounds to me such as you're able to no longer deliver it. You stated it your self, it would not upload something on your application. The elective essay is extra for individuals who've extenuating circumstances (like a death interior the kinfolk, prolonged ailment, etc) that led to unfavorable grades or another blemish on their application.
