<p>I figured out that Harvard has not seen the video update I sent them, that I felt would drastically increase my chances of acceptance. Is something wrong, or do they only look at updates if they need to?</p>
<p>Not sure what to tell you. What was on the video update? Harvard DOES NOT watch videos of musical performances or recitals. See: [Harvard</a> College Admissions § Applying: Supplemental Application Materials](<a href=“http://www.admissions.college.harvard.edu/apply/application_process/supplements.html]Harvard”>http://www.admissions.college.harvard.edu/apply/application_process/supplements.html)</p>
<p>“Do not send video or DVD recordings of musical performances or recitals.”</p>
<p>It was a 5 min performance of mine with just me on stage doing a monologue as Mark Twain. No musical qualities or dances, just me.</p>
<p>I think the reason Harvard listens to audio CD’s, but does not watch videos, is that they don’t want to be swayed, even subconsciously, by someone’s appearance. My best guess is that your video, while not musical or dance related, was still a performance video – which is why it might not have been viewed. (BTW: Although there is a very active theater community at Harvard, the school does not offer a degree in theater.)</p>
<p>I am just interested in being a part of the community!</p>
<p>I understand, but as Harvard is a preeminent academic institution, they are more interested (and swayed) by academic updates, rather than extracurricular ones.</p>
<p>Woah really Gibby??? I sent them an email update about my performance at Stanford’s National Speech and Debate tournament, the State tournament, and NatQuals. One event I did was dramatic interpretation which is similar to the OP’s Mark Twain monologue, you mean it won’t hold much weight??</p>
<p>If you sent in an email update because you won a regional or national award for Speech and Debate, I would think that would hold some weight in the admissions process (how much weight is anyone’s guess). On the other hand, if you submitted an extracurricular update that did not win a national or regional award, that might not hold as much weight. An Intel Finalist Award might trump all. It’s very subjective.</p>