<p>I am in the process of writing my 1/2 update 1/2 interest letter to Rice after I was deferred. Now, I know one of the huge factors that contributed to my deferral was my low test scores and I would like to address these in my letter because I was unable to retake them in order to raise my scores. How would you suggest that I incorporate this into the letter? I really wanna go to Rice, so I want to cover all of my bases. Thanks for your help.</p>
<p>Hm, that's a tough one. Maybe someone here got accepted after getting deferred, and you can ask them about what they put in their letter?
As for yours, try to write it in a manner that emphasizes your positive qualities rather than focus on the negative. They deferred (rather than reject) you for a reason, so you shouldn't spend as much time on downplaying the reasons why you didn't get accepted. I think your letter will be more effective if it focuses on the reasons why you SHOULD get accepted, if that makes any sense.
Something like "Though I realize certain aspects of my application were below-par (such as my unfortunately low standardized test scores), I strongly believe that my [insert your awesomeness here] will enable me to become a successful, contributing member of the Rice community", but put it in your own words and let them know you really want to come to Rice!</p>
<p>Best of luck!</p>
<p>I would talk about what you have been doing recently in order to show that you are still trying to better yourself. There is no need to explain or mention test scores. I am not sure if I would mention things like the community. I would try to extend some of the things in your application which you have in real life improved upon and at the end state that Rice is your clear first choice and you will certainly attend if accepted.</p>
<p>My son was waitlisted and had to write one of those letters. I'm sure he was waitlisted for lack of extracurriculars, not grades. He wrote a letter that only accentuated the positive and reiterated why he wanted to go to Rice. The result -- one diploma, ready for framing. Brown College, class of 2007.</p>
<p>Anyone else have an opinion?</p>
<p>I agree with all of the other posts. Focus on the positive and don't even mention the test scores. What's done is done...you just have to get Rice to see how great you are in light of ECs, personality, dedication, etc.</p>