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greenzie
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A very stupid mistake in submitting optional essay! 14 Feb 2016, 17:34
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I did one of the most stupid mistakes when submitting application. In the past, I laughed and judged when people did similar things and now it just happened to me.

I re-used my optional essay for several schools. One of the topics I have in my optional essay is about my choice of referees. Yesterday I submitted my application to Olin, which does not require recommendation letter at all, without deleting that part about referee choice. I am beating myself right now after realizing it.

Please advise: should I contact them and tell about my mistake or should I just do nothing and hope that they will let it go???

Your input will be appreciated. Thanks!!!
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A very stupid mistake in submitting optional essay! 17 Feb 2016, 08:42
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I think you'll be alright. All the adcoms I've met had told, if you make a small mistake its probably fine, that they aren't looking for way to deny you rather ways to admit you. I personally did a couple of mistake in my application, and everything turned out ok. Just relax ;).
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greenzie
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A very stupid mistake in submitting optional essay! 17 Feb 2016, 09:33
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Thanks nachobioteck. That helps me feeling calmer. But do you think I should point out that mistake by emailing them showing that even though I made a mistake but I still have some self-awareness or should I just not do anything?
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A very stupid mistake in submitting optional essay! 19 Feb 2016, 08:51
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I think this is a great question for Fortuna Admissions (they have a lineup of former admissions directors on their staff list) - you can find their discussion in Ask Admissions Consultants.

P.S. I would be tempted to reach out, just because I feel I need to do anything in my power and have a hard time letting go but that's me and does not mean it is the right thing to do. The other reason/argument I could see reaching out to the adcom is that it can show you in a positive light and really demonstrate maturity and ability to handle mistakes. Nobody is perfect and it is really about how we behave when we screw up what defines our character.... I would ask Fortuna.
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greenzie
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A very stupid mistake in submitting optional essay! 19 Feb 2016, 09:01
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Thanks so much bb. I also have a hard time letting it go actually (even though I don't like admitting it too).