<p>Hi again everyone. Since I was deferred, I’ve been wondering about what sorts of updates I should send Columbia when I mail them my oh-my-God-I-still-love-you letter later this month. My “passions” are in literature and theatre… not exactly prime areas for competition and international recognition while you’re still in high school.
However, I have written some theatre reviews that have been published in local newspapers (and possibly the Sun/Washington Post if all goes well?), sent in some creative writing to literary journals, and have had various prominent/semi-prestigious honors bestowed upon me as a member of the theatre department at our school. Do they actually care about this kind of thing or will I sound like an idiot?
Also, would it be wildly inappropriate/presumptuous of me to send them a semi-creative (but brief) re-assertion of Why Columbia?</p>
<p>Oh man that post is awkwardly spaced.</p>
<p>I think the theater reviews would be a great thing to mention–hopefully you’ll find out from the Post by the time you want to send in your letter, but if you don’t hear back, just say, “I’ve sent some reviews and creative writing samples to several magazines and newspapers, and I’m still waiting to hear back.” You could even offer to send them a VERY brief addendum when you get some news regarding them. The theater awards are also fine to mention. The redo of Why Columbia would be stretching it in my book. I think they’re pretty serious about the one-page limit, no new rec’s kind of stuff, so if it were me, I’d pass on that one. Good luck.</p>
<p>Just curious- are you in Cappies up in DC? Because I am too - I’m in South Florida, and at this point I think I’m poised to win the critics award for the fourth year in a row, and that’s what I’m stressing in my letter.</p>
<p>If this post means nothing to you, just disregard it.</p>
<p>Ah a fellow Cappie! Actually I’m in the Baltimore region, but wow congratulations about the critics award! Very impressive-- good luck! Are you more interested in theatre or journalism?</p>
<p>Ooh I also have another question. When exactly should I send this letter, and how (electronically, snail mail)? And to whom (admissions office in general? regional admissions guy?)?</p>
<p>Admissions office. To whom it may concern. Snail mail might be best, because an email could get lost in the mix but a letter will get put into your file.</p>
<p>I’m definitely more into journalism at this point. I’ve pretty much stopped performing but I realized that I absolutely love writing and that I’m also fairly good at it too, so I want to be a journalist when I’m older. Part of me wants to be the next Frank Rich at the NYT, but I also want to be a foreign correspondent REALLY badly and focus on human rights. Either way, I’ll never, ever stop going to as many shows as possible!</p>
<p>If we both wind up at Columbia, we should start a Disgruntled Former Cappies club (because despite my successes within the program, I am SO over the drama of Cappies)… We could carry binders and wear our pins EVERYWHERE. :P</p>
<p>
oh good, another bright-eyed, bushy-tailed future member of the ISO.</p>
<p>you’ll be handing out flyers pushing the Socialist revolution before you know it.</p>
<p><em>sigh</em></p>
<p>I’m having a really hard time writing this letter, is anyone else? I just don’t know whether to be formal or creative, and I’m really afraid to start writing because I know that this is my last chance. Do they want me to be serious or funny or melodramatic or what? It’s so frustrating to have the potential to create something that can really make a difference in my future and not to know what to do with it.</p>
<p>You don’t have to start writing right away, just brainstorm and list what you really feel. You’re not trying to write what they want to see. If you’re really passionate about going to Columbia, I’m sure it will show.</p>
<p>this isn’t nearly as hard as you’re making it. stick to matters-of-fact, and be brief and cordial. that’s about all they want to see.</p>
<p>Thank you for the advice- I think I was just a little wound up yesterday. I’ll just rewrite and see what I can do. Everything is so much harder at midnight.</p>
<p>You don’t say…</p>
<p>
that’s what SHE said!</p>
<p>Haha but it’s not the 15th yet, Denzera. ;)</p>