<p>menloparkmom - showing interest can’t hurt (unless one is a total pest) because schools would rather admit someone whom seems to want to come, I know it makes a difference for several of those schools already mentioned (top 25 schools), but I agree, it might make no difference at some places.</p>
<p>cd6hb8 - find the essay by Andrew Doctoroff titled “Dear 8th grader” published earlier this year in Huffington post. It might inspire you on what to emphasize as you present yourself in applications and interviews.</p>