Hi CC, I am planning on either sending a letter of interest to my regional admissions officer or calling and expressing my interest verbally. Which would be the better tactic? Thanks in advance for opinions and advice!
I think you should call, and note down the name of who you talk to. That way, you could possibly reference it in your essay as a reason to go to the particular school. So if they ask you, say, “Why do you want to go to Harvard?” you could put as one reason in your essay “I also spoke to [admissions officer] who convinced me blah blah…blah” etc. I’m not an expert but that’s what I would do.
Since you’re trying to demonstrate interest and not just ask an application question, I’d definitely call. It’s more personal and honest.
Okay, I shall call! How would I initiate the conversation though? I was deferred REA, btw.
Do you have any questions about the school? Start it off like that and get into a conversation. Talk about the school, talk about how it would fit you, and (this is important) express your desire to be a part of that fit!
Send something in writing. Its clear you have nothing real to ask/say, you just want to do this to try and bump your chances. So you’re going to be at a real disadvantage if the adcom asks you anything on the phone. With a letter there is no instant communication, you have a chance to come up with something worthwhile to write. Or you could even write something as simple as expressing your disappointment at being deferred, re-affirm your interest in the school, and express your hope for the future.
I’d send something in writing. That way you can take your time and be sure you say exactly what you want to say. If you have specific things you like about the school, mention them. If you have had any awards/achievements since your application was filed put that in as well. In a phone conversation sometimes a question you weren’t expecting can throw you off track a bit. Also by writing something the school can add your actual email/letter to your admission file so it is there when they review the file again. If you call, the admission officer may or may not put something in your file and it may or may not express things exactly as you like (ex. it could just be a form saying you called and were still interested).
I think mikemac has a good point. Imagine what it would be like for these adcoms if every student who was deferred started to call to express interest. Happy1 also has a good idea. A letter can be added to your file. Do you have any updates (new awards, honors, etc.) that you can mention? If not, a simple letter advising him/her of your continued interest in the school will do.
I would write a letter/email and include something new you have done. They can put it in your file when they look at your application again. Awesome grades senior year or became president of X club or spearheaded the Y project. Express how this is your number one choice and you would come if admitted (if that is the case).
You really need to come up with something new to tell them about. Brainstorm for a bit. An realize that you will want 2-4 more of these “something news” if you possibly can before decision date.
I would do it in writing as well because if they track interest this way (some colleges do) they could add it to your file. Whereas if you call, there is a chance the conversation could be left hanging, the things you talk about won’t be recorded to reference later, or that it will be picked up by a secretary rather than someone reading your application files
The school has an actual optional update form though. Should I still mention something new (I might just mention that I got straight A’s first semester) or just save it so i can really bulk up my optional update in February?
If you have been deferred, it is also extremely important that you continue to maintain your high academic achievement throughout your senior year and keep them updated on any additional awards and/or honors that you earn. You should submit an additional letter reiterating your strong interest in XYZ School and/or submit an additional letter of recommendation from someone you had not initially asked to write on your behalf. Once submitted, these items will be added to your file and considered when they review your application again during the regular decision process.