I am waitlisted. What should I put on my letter to Northwestern?

unobtanium · April 2015

Hello everyone!

So a couple of weeks ago, I received my waitlist letter from NU. As sad as I was, I am still strongly committed to NU, as it is #1 on my college list. It provides me with my two favorite things on the planet: chemistry and classical music. So now, as May 1st approach, I am scrambling to write a letter to NU expressing my passion. I've been working hard on my classes and my Intel ISEF project to improve my odds. So what do you suggest I write about?

One more thing, my mom is thinking about increasing my family's financial commitment to Northwestern (aka asking for less aid). Should I do that? I myself don't think that's a very good thing to put on the letter.

Thank you for your time!

aunt bea · April 2015

They already know you want to attend. It's an extra paper they have to deal with. If your family states that you will increase your financials, it almost sounds like a bribe. Not good.

If you still want to send something, be brief, concise and to the point.
I am committed to attending Northwestern. Thank you for your consideration.

Then, move on to the next university on your list.

Heisenbergyk · April 2015

Yea asking for less aid won't do anything except hurt you if your accepted. Just try to show continual interest and hope you get called, but unfortunately it's not that likely at this point.

premature_gray · April 2015

I'd like to offer a different perspective. My S was taken from the W/L at NU. He wrote a short note indicating his very strong interest in NU and briefly reminding the Adcom of his background, along with his strong 3rd quarter grades (don't send if they're not strong). A week later, he won a state level writing award and sent that, along with a sealed LOR from an internship supervisor. He was accepted from the W/L early in May. Upon reflection, he thinks the award sealed the decision for him, so if you have any new, helpful items, you should send them.

I agree with the other posters above about not mentioning finances.

AnonMom13 · April 2015

We were also advised to indicate that if you were taken off the waitlist that you would definitely attend. That said, I really encourage you to get excited about another school as well. You can be successful and happy at many, many schools. It's impossible to predict how many people come off the waitlist in any given year -- can be zero. Good luck.

Pootie · April 2015

In addition to indicating that you would definitely attend if taken off the waitlist (assuming that is actually TRUE), try this: Have a teacher, coach, employer, or someone else who knows you really well submit a letter of recommendation directly to the admissions office. If it's a teacher, obviously it shouldn't be one who wrote a rec. letter for your original application. Obviously, this will only be helpful if the person truly believes you would be a great fit for NU.

unobtanium · April 2015

Thanks all for your comments! But is it possible for me to send anything more now? It seems kinda late.

Heisenbergyk · April 2015

You can try. By tomorrow basically everyone one in next years class will be committed so I'd assume whoever gets taken off gets taken off soon. It will likely have little impact at this point though, unless you have something super substantial between now and applying.

unobtanium · May 2015

@Heisenbergyk This might sounds a little weird, but if I sent them my science project, would I risk it being pirated?

Heisenbergyk · May 2015

I honestly have no idea but its NU is a university and anything you send them is supposed to be confidental so its probably ok. But its not like your making them sign a agreement with you or anything if you mail something to them.

I am waitlisted. What should I put on my letter to Northwestern?

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