Decision time is still a month away, but I'm already regretting my mistakes...

Rixs · 11-03-2009, 04:31 PM

-head desks-

Darnit, it's just tearing me up inside right now. I applied ED to W&M, and now I can't stop reviewing my common app and picking out every little mistake that I could have corrected.

I left out an important summer program. My ECs sounded like crap. I split up drawing and photography, when I should have just said art in general. I submitted my application too soon before the former Creative Writing Club had become the much broader Performance Arts Club and before I started Japanese tutoring, which would have sounded so much more impressive. I've become the student representative for my community college's Library Board. Much more interesting and impressive stuff has come up, and now my application looks ridiculously weak to me. -sigh-

What can I do to calm myself down? I'm starting to get really upset about this. I told myself to start and submit the app early so I wouldn't procrastinate until the last second...but now I feel like I made a huge mistake...

-head desks again-

How do I keep my cool until decisions come?

BobbyCT · 11-03-2009, 04:39 PM

I am not sure how W&M works but do you have an Admissions Counselor that you have worked with there? If so, just send them an e-mail with your updates and let them know what you want them to consider. You may even want to send them an updated resume reflecting some of the changes. You applied ED so developments are bound to happen. If possible, communicate them to the school. As far as your application, everyone second guesses so I would not worry myself over this. Good luck!

dbwes · 11-03-2009, 04:42 PM

You must chill. (that makes me think of a great movie, Say Anything. In fact, go watch a movie. CHILL.)
Your application is fine. Very small points will not make as big a difference as you think. Give yourself a break. What's meant to be is meant to be.
Are you excited about any of your RD schools if this doesn't pan out?

How do you keep your cool? Keep your perspective. Enjoy your senior year. It will all be fine.

Rixs · 11-03-2009, 04:46 PM

No, I don't have an admissions counselor, unfortunately.

Rixs · 11-03-2009, 04:48 PM

Well, I also applied EA to JMU (and I applied to Fordham too). It's my back up. I liked the large social scene there and the mass of good food choices and class variety. But it's just not W&M, you know?

ADad · 11-03-2009, 04:50 PM

You can still send a letter or email with your updates to the Office of Admissions at W & M. Please do that!

fauve · 11-03-2009, 04:51 PM

Use your energy to craft your RD applications.

If you are convinced you have better ECs to report, follow BobbyCT's advice, and email or mail an update to W&M, so they can add it to your admissions file.

Rixs · 11-03-2009, 05:53 PM

Thanks for the advice, guys. I just wrote up a resume that includes all my new activities.

I'll be sending it this week. =)

mom2collegekids · 11-03-2009, 06:05 PM

^^

Good.

But either way....how do you feel about your back ups?

riverrunner · 11-03-2009, 06:16 PM

Rixs, an update is especially appropriate if you have a first quarter report card or SAT/ACT scores to update as well. You love W and M. It's OK to be shamelessly attentive, just don't overdo it.

Nester · 11-03-2009, 06:44 PM

Be sure to check with the admissions office after you have sent your update to make sure that it has made it into your file. It is very easy for materials that come in late to be misplaced. Another thing you might do to make sure the update goes in immediately would be to phone, explain that you have an update coming, and ask if it would be easier for them if you just FAXed it. If they say to FAX, you can send it right then and be sure that the person with whom you were speaking pulls it out of the FAX and pops it into your file.

Rixs · 11-03-2009, 07:06 PM

Alright. I'll make contact two days or so after I send my letter. That's usually how long it takes by regular mail. (The college is only about two hours away.)

@Mom2CollegeKids- I feel okay about my back-up. It's not W&M, but you know?

@riverrunner- Thanks. Yeah, I just printed the resume and a short letter explaining that it's just an additional resume and apologizing for sending it late. Nothing super elaborate or long or anything.

Sadly, I have no ACT update. I considered a retake to improve my math score (26) because it was significantly lower than my others (36,34,30), but I didn't have the money for another go around. (And of course, I don't qualify for a free waiver.)

Av8r · 11-03-2009, 08:28 PM

Rixs--send in your update, and then just relax. After that, there is nothing you can do. As they say, nothing left but the crying....or hopefully in your case, the celebration! Worrying and second guessing yourself does absolutely nothing, doesn't help your case whatsoever. If you were older, I'd say go drink a couple of glasses of wine, but since you're not-do something you really love to do, and stop the useless worrying!

Rixs · 11-03-2009, 08:35 PM

Thanks. =)

Meh...I still have to worry. I have my NaNoWriMo novel to do. @-@

limabeans · 11-03-2009, 09:10 PM

Rixs, if you haven't sent anything yet...wait! I'd suggest you call your college rep and speak to him/her first. Go on their website and get the name. then, ask that person if you can do this. The best possible aspect can come of this: you get to speak to the person who'll read your essay and be the first to say yeah/nah. I suggest you do this also because I'm sure you're not the only who'd send something in, and their staff must hate all this extra paperwork. If you speak to the rep, that person may actually be looking to see if you got it there.

The only other thing I think about when I read your post is this: it'll be a great reason to send an update if you get deferred. However, if W&M is truly your #1 choice, call up that rep and then send it. If you can't actually speak to that rep, at least send an email. I think they'd appreciate your personal touch.