<p>This happened a couple months ago, but I recently got a letter of congratulations from my state’s senator for an music award I earned over the summer last year. First of all, how common is this? Second, how can I incorporate this into my app? (I also had a newspaper article written on me for the same award…)</p>
<p>bump 10char</p>
<p>Make a copy of the article and attach it to the application. Don’t bother with the letter from the Senator.</p>
<p>^I was planning on sending the article. Why should I not bother with the letter?</p>
<p>Probably because a congrats letter from a senator is, really, no different than a congratulation from your mother. The article, on the other hand, proves that you were in fact recognized and awarded.</p>
<p>I’ve read that clippings and articles are a big no-no. Your resume will suffice as enough and a newspaper article will just be redundant. They trust that the info you provide is true and do not need proof.</p>
<p>If you have a resume, think about putting “recognized/acknowledged by senator <em>name</em>” under the award listed.</p>
<p>From a recent article:</p>
<p>Quote:
There’s an expression in admissions circles: the thicker the file, the thicker the kid. Don’t send in every newspaper clipping of your son on the high school honor role. That’s just redundant if we have his transcript.</p>
<p>The letter is meaningless to everyone but the recipient. It’s the standard form letter of congratulations. He has no idea who you are and does not have a personal relationship with you.</p>
<p>You could either mention the award on your resume and attach or not attach a copy of the original article. The choice is yours but definitely leave the letter out of the application. The award is more important than the letter.</p>
<p>thnx for the heads up :)</p>
<p>Good luck and congrats on the award.</p>
<p>I’m a junior, but thanks.</p>
<p>Make sure you keep several copies of the newspaper article. Later when you are applying for scholarships, special programs or maybe an college interview w/ an alum you would bring /send the copy of the article. It is even helpful to have one for the teacher (along w/ your resume) who writes your letter of recommendation.</p>
<p>^Don’t worry, my mom has that one taken care of <em>rolls eyes</em></p>