<p>as the deadline approaches at a rapid pace, I am still puzzled with some aspects of the application. Maybe someone of you can help me. My letters of recommendation are written in German, while my counsellor recommendation is in English and my counsellor wrote my transcript in English too. What kind of translation is needed for the letters of recommendation - do they have to be notarially certified? Those translations are very expensive here in Germany. Or is it okay if I translate them myself and have them signed by my English teacher?</p>
<p>Another question I have is regarding the extracurricular activities section. Here in Germany we don’t really have much activities offered at our schools. No science and sport teams, no debating society etc. pp. I am planning to indicate activities like soccer and fencing on my application, but those are not really linked to my school. This is still okay, isn’t it? Additionally, I did research at Hamburg University (Hamburg is my hometown). Can I indicate this as an extracurricular activity or is it rather a scholastic distinction (I had to apply for the research courses, only a few students were admitted). My school was involved in the application process too. Another activity of mine, respectively my “favourite” activity is the movie club I founded with my brother and some friends. This club isn’t connected to my school at all, but I hope it still counts as an extracurricular activity (okay as I pointed out it is pretty much extracurricular, but I am still a bit uncertain).</p>
<p>My last question is in connection with the movie club. I wrote a first draft of a psy-sci-fi movie script. Is it a good idea to send one or two pages of this script as supplementary material or should I rather write about it in the “Tell us about something you created section”? I would be really happy to hear some advise ^_^" .</p>
<p>Hi! I am in the pretty much the same situation as you, but I think I found out the answers.</p>
<p>About the translations, they don’t have to be officially translated. Just mention the name of the translator, no matter who (s)he is. If you translate it, it’s ok, just write your name on it. The same if your English teacher or another person translates it.</p>
<p>All the extracurriculars you mentioned count, including that research stuff. They don’t have to be around the school.</p>
<p>And about submitting the supplementary material, I read a while ago on Ben’s or Matt’s blog that the admissions office is seldom able to evaluate your material at its true value, they are more interested in how it affected you, which can be better expressed in the additional essay. They didn’t say a definite no, however.</p>
<p>I hope this helps.</p>
<p>All the best from Romania (despite the fact that you just stole us the bronze medal at handball:) ),</p>
<p>As for the supplement question, it sounds like it would be a good idea to send an explanation of what the club is, what you made, why you made it, why it’s important, etc. In addition then, I would include some of the script for them to look over.</p>
<p>They’re purposefully vague about “something you created” to allow all kinds of things to be submitted; gadgets, art, crafts, built devices, ideas, (I would have submitted some Yearbook spreads if they’d been done in time for EA!), and yes, definitely scripts would fit into that broad category.</p>
<p>Just make sure you explain why you did it (ie. if it’s a passion, letting them know how/why it’s a passion is more important than just sending the script I think)</p>
<p>About the translation, I think it would be best if you did get a signature from your English teacher… And the movie club is definitely EC!! N the thing you created can be anything, be it a concept, a poem you’ve written, something you physically made… Anything!!!</p>