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Old 04-13-2008, 11:35 AM   #151
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I'm working on my interest letter, but can I send the update on achievements and awards later? I have an upcoming state math competition and I would like to wait to add anything to my updated list. Also how long should the interest letter be? I was thinking about a full page single spaced but now that I think about it that seems a little too much.
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Old 04-13-2008, 12:37 PM   #152
SSD
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We wrote two ltrs: one for interest and one for updates. Send the update letter a couple of days later and any send updates as you accomplish things.
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Old 04-13-2008, 12:47 PM   #153
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It seems like a lot of you guys here are doing a lot of things trying to get off the waitlist - letters, extra recs, calls, even more calls, etc.

i'm planning to only send a letter and my third quarter grades, which comparably is very little to what many of you are doing. However, I do know an alum from one of my waitlist schools, so is it a good idea to have her call and put in a word for me? If so, where should this call be directed to?

thanks so much.
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Old 04-13-2008, 01:36 PM   #154
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A call from an alum will do you no good at getting off a waitlist. In fact, it will probably just annoy the Admissions Office staff who are already swamped with phone calls,emails, and letters at this time of year. The only exception might be if that alum actually has some "pull" -- like they are head of an active alumni club, have donated lots of money, etc. and even then, it's pretty iffy.

Just a polite letter indicating your continued interest and providing updated info like Q3 grades and any new awards is fine. And if you feel strongly enough -- include a commitment to attend the school if you get off the waitlist.

And keep in mind the chances of getting off a waitlist -- for anybody -- are relatively slim. In other words, HOPE but don't count on it. And be prepared to move on to another school.
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Old 04-13-2008, 02:10 PM   #155
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Calls will do NOTHING. I sent ONE e-mail, and got off the waitlist at Johns Hopkins. Most of the waitlist stuff is out of your hands once you've expessed interest.
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Old 04-13-2008, 02:23 PM   #156
sup
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^Should we e-mail? Some people were saying snail mail is more professional
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Old 04-13-2008, 03:47 PM   #157
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If I am writing a waitlist letter, who should I address it to? I don't know who my regional officer is, I think I will call to see if I can get the name, but otherwise, should I just address it "Dear Dean of Admissions?"
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Old 04-13-2008, 06:15 PM   #158
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e-mail worked very well for me.

Here's the deal: Even though adcoms say its "unranked" that's just not true. It may be "unranked" but they already have an idea of who they want to admit. If the right people show interest then they will be admited. You should show interest in case you are one of those people. In the meantime buy a sweatshirt for your school.

I'm speaking for schools that let less than 50 people off last year, at least. I don't know how big WL schools do it...
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Old 04-13-2008, 10:51 PM   #159
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redribbon, i think you should still call. they'll still appreciate it. and i know what you mean about the waitlists - i wasn't really on cc til i got waitlisted and then all of a sudden i was addicted to finding out how to get off.

metaldragon, i think two letters would be perfectly acceptable, but if you don't want to wait til your competition to send just one altogether, write one now stating interest and recent achievements, and say that you're competing in a state math competition and you'll notify them of any achievements as they come.

artstar, i think what worriedmom said was great. plain old alums don't have any pull with the school - like students, they have to have a hook to have influence

sup, i definitely think snail mail is better. an email is great to let them know there's a package coming, or to ask about weaknesses in your application. an email before to tell them about the package and another to confirm that they received it would be wonderful.

juicy, you can definitely find out your regional officer if you call, i would think. if not, address it to the office of undergraduate admissions found on the regular "contact us" web page.

mastermargarita, email can work well in some cases. if that's what works for you and the school, i think just an email is great. but if you're not sure, i would go for everything, like i'm doing. but yes, you are completely right - buy a sweatshirt for the school to which you're sending your deposit. i think that's what you meant by "your school." because chances of getting off a waitlist are so slim, it's much better to fall in love with your backup than be completely unhappy when you don't get off the waitlist.


just as an update everyone, i haven't heard anything from any of my waitlist colleges, but i wasn't expecting to. i'll let you guys know of anything that happens! in the meantime, i'm in our county newspaper in the athlete's "hot corner" of the week!
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Old 04-15-2008, 04:11 PM   #160
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i haven't sent in any of my waitlist letters yet (actually, haven't even fully written any)...is this a bad thing? is it better to send it earlier than later? I'm definitely going to have it sent before May 1st since I'm sure they don't actually reconsider waitlistees until then anyway.
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Old 04-15-2008, 04:14 PM   #161
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it is not a bad thing to not have sent it yet, but I would recommend you to send them as soon as possible. The earlier colleges know you are interested the better.
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Old 04-17-2008, 01:06 PM   #162
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i sent a printout of this thread to washu!
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Old 04-17-2008, 03:20 PM   #163
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Sent my letter to Barnard and Emory-- trackie seemed to love it, so we'll see if they agree!
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Old 04-17-2008, 06:33 PM   #164
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I got waitlisted at my number 1. I sent a letter, email and called them. They said to not send recs or supplementary material...
How can I differentiate myself from others if I can't send new recs/material? Should I have my GC call?
What should be my next step?
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Old 04-17-2008, 10:48 PM   #165
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bartlet - i did love it!!! i'm sure they will too.

tiff, i'm not sure what you should do. definitely don't send stuff, because if they really don't want it, it means they don't want it. i think your letter/email/call should suffice.
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