<p>Got deferred. What should be done now to increase chances of getting accepted RD? How much of a chance is there?</p>
<p>donate building?</p>
<p>i got deferred too
i’m working on my other apps already to keep my mind off it
but i did think about writing a “confessional” letter to duke and explain i really really wanna go to duke badly (and list out all the reasons)</p>
<p>^^^ wasn’t that the point of the “Why Duke” essay?</p>
<p>^^^Normally yes, but how many people do you think write the Why Duke Essay then turn Duke down? As much as I hate to admit it the numbers aren’t trivial. That’s why Duke’s yield is in the 40% range. A letter of intent would definitely signal more commitment to Duke than a Why Duke essay since it’s not something that most people view as “required”</p>
<p>Good point, but I thought that you aren’t supposed to turn down a school for early decision?</p>
<p>also, applying early decision usually signals that you’re committed already…</p>
<p>Yes it does, but getting deferred means you are now RD, so showing commitment would be a good thing. Plus, a letter of intent would be a more comprehensive way to make your case compared to a Why Duke essay.</p>
<p>Write a letter to admissions with your application and tell them why you ARE DUKE! You need to fight for the spot, get another teacher/coach/sibling to write a recommendation for you. Do anything else that shows them how much you want to go there. My sister was deferred, ended up getting accepted and thats what she had to do. Good luck!</p>
<p>SBR and anyone else, what should a good letter of intent say/include? Should I sign it or something to make it actually binding?</p>
<p>It is really up to you. My advice would be to make the letter simple and concise. Honestly say why you would like to study at Duke and make it clear you truly want to contribute to duke in both an educational and social manner. Signing it is up to you, it is somewhat creative to do so. Something like that probably wouldn’t hurt and could make you stand out in a good way. I even heard from a duke faculty/ staff member (though this is not the same situation exactly) that someone once sent in a reference letter that was written by their little brother who was like 7 years old - it was seen as ‘cool’ in a way and probably helped that person get admitted.</p>
<p>My son was deferred ED last year and accepted in the RD round. People should be realistic that your chances in the RD round, however, are proportionately even less that the rest of the RD pool. I believe, recently, that the overall RD pool acceptance rate has ranged from the mid-teens to low 20’s, while the acceptance rate for the deferred ED pool is around 10%. An additional letter of recommendation is a good idea, perhaps from a 12th grade teacher who now knows you well, but who would have been a poor choice earlier in the year. In addition, I agree that a personal letter re-affirming that Duke will still definitely be your first choice, if accepted, cannot hurt. The office last year was clear that they welcomed both additional communications to them, as well as updated transcripts or awards information as the year goes on.</p>
<p>SBR, PrattGuy, sidmaster, rowforlife, thanks for your advice. They are really helpful.</p>
<p>Grow to about 7’ and work on your rebounding.</p>
<p>^ nice wobudong</p>
<p>But really, just update Duke about every achievement you have. If you write a letter, make sure you really show yourself in your words. You want them to know you better as a person, not as stats. Emphasize that Duke is still your school and will definitly come if accepted.</p>
<p>As a Duke 2013, I can tell you that there are kids that are let in after being deferred ED, though your chances are not good. I think it was something around 10% for deferred ED kids in the regular pool.</p>
<p>While that sux, there are things you can do. I would recommend writing a letter to explain that you are still interested as still would choose Duke no matter what. I know that it sounds stupid, but its important. One of my friends at Duke got into Brown RD after being deferred ED, then decided to come to Duke because, while I mean come on Duke is awesome, Brown clearly proved they didn’t want him as much as Duke did. However, I was deferred from my ED last year (Dartmouth), wrote a letter, had two alums write letters, got an interview, and was still rejected.</p>
<p>Last story I can share was of a friend who got in off the waitlist. After being WL, he called admissions constantly, begged to be let into Blue Devil Days, expressed incredible interest in the school, and was rewarded in the end by being let in. Ultimately, you interest can play a roll.</p>
<p>So my best advice would be to write a letter and just pray for the best. As sad as it is to hear, you just got to get lucky and hold tight. Keep in mind, though, that things do work out in the end. I am so happy that I am at Duke, not Dartmouth, and could not imagine myself happy anywhere else. I actually visited my friend at Columbia this weekend and absolutely HATED the place, and to be honest it was freezing cold compared to Durham. Plus no athletics and very better-then-you attitudes by the students. Come on. Anyway, it will work out in the end, so try not to stress. Good luck in the application process and hope Duke works out.</p>
<p>Thanks a million, andy_college!! Really sound advice.</p>