<p>Ive already applied EA to Caltech, but a recent discussion among my friends left me with some questions. There are two factors that contribute to my dilemma.</p>
<li><p>I finished my extended essay for my IB Diploma in the last week or so. It was primarily an analysis of the future of the field of cryptology. While the paper doesnt contain any lab research nor does it test a hypothesis, it does contain literary research and analysis. On the application it said that papers should be submitted about the same time as the application, and Im not sure if that time window is closed. Also, Im aware that admissions officers have several hundred applications to go over, and Im not even sure if the paper would be read. Should I still send it in, or will it not matter?</p></li>
<li><p>Ive been an active participant in the Speech and Debate team at our school for the past four years. Ive won several top places at various local tournaments in a variety of events, but nothing at the state or national level. On my application I noted my participation and leadership and one or two key awards but made no mention of these various smaller awards. At the time it seemed a bit over the top, akin to sending in my JV tennis team record for the season (8-1 if you really care :p). I know that lots of schools want to see passion for ECs, and I certainly enjoy debate and peruse it with a passion, but I wanted my application to come across as less of a laundry list (kind of failed at that, but life goes on). Some of my friends from the team are including every award they have won on their college applications, and I didnt know if that added display of passion would bolster admissions chances. Even if I dont update Caltech, it might change my app for other schools.</p></li>
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<p>These two things may seem a bit trivial, and I know they probably wont make or break my application, but any advice would be welcomed.</p>
<p>Not crazy, I swear,
Forax</p>