My friend EDed to American University (her dream school) and was accepted but did not get enough financial aid to attend. She is crushed. Do you think it would help or hurt to write a letter to the admissions office (without her knowing) to advocate for her? If it wouldn’t hurt, I thought I might as well try.
I would basically say this (this is written horribly and kind of as a list, I would make it much more professional and clean in the letter. Also, the letter would be brief.): I know that I’m biased but she has no idea I’m writing this, she is probably the most hardworking person I know, she has worked double as hard as everyone in my grade on her classes and always challenges herself, she works tirelessly at everything she does and even with her busy schedule finds time to participate in school clubs (service, gold key, sports, etc) and give 100% to all of them, she holds me and all of her friends to a high standard and never lets us give up on our dreams or change who we are for the wrong reasons, and she finds time to listen to me when I need her even when I don’t ask. Although she may not have the best scores, they are only a number and she truly is one of the most amazing people I’ve ever met and has changed my life. Everyone who knows her is touched by her. I know that you know this because she got in, but I have recently watched her let her dream-- to attend American-- go because her family cannot afford it with two younger siblings to put through school and a dad who just recently was employed again after years. She never complains about any of this, but I know how much it has hurt her as she is the perfect match for American and loves the school and everything it embodies. If my word counts at all, I just wanted to advocate for her and let you know that she deserves and belongs at American and I promise you that if you can find the money to supply her with more aid, she will not let you down and will add to your community in more ways than you know.
What do you think?