<p>I was recently deferred from Early Decision to Regular Decision. I emailed someone from admissions and asked them some of the ways I might update my application.</p>
<p>One of the things she said was: "send some comments reinforcing your level of interest in Rice"</p>
<p>Could someone help me with what type of comments this might mean? Not only that, how would I send them? In a letter expressing my devotion to Rice? (lol) I'm a little confused. Any ideas?</p>
<p>I'm not sure what she meant by that, but definitely make sure you have strong grades for the end of the 1st semester. Also, send in anything else you might've done this year. I would include an updated resume or something of that sort.</p>
<p>Good luck!</p>
<p>That's odd. You applied ED, so you obviously are extremely interested in Rice, and would choose it over any other university.</p>
<p>^Agree with dauntlessthedrab. Maybe she meant that you should say that even though you were deferred, Rice is still your number one choice and that you would attend if accepted...at least, that's what waitlisted students do to reinforce interest, and demonstrated interest is probably one factor in deciding between a number of waitlisted students. I really wouldn't know what the lady meant either, but that's just my two cents.</p>
<p>That's what I did two years ago. It worked for me.</p>
<p>Anyone else have any ideas that could help me?</p>
<p>Look Krista here's the deal.....</p>
<p>Many colleges and universities look for students that are really committed to going there. What they are asking you is to tell them again why you want to go there. I know it sounds a bit insane or stupid.</p>
<p>I was talking with my kid that got into Rice a few years back and we both agreed that one of Rice's quirks is that they really look into the "deep" things that make up their students...and they try to find out about a person who applies to Rice.....way beyond academics...way beyond grades....and way beyond what you did to look good.</p>
<p>In short they want you to give them some insight into who you are, what you want to do and a lot about your values. So, that's what you want to tell them. The way you tell them (in words on paper) will make all the difference, and that way should be from the heart. It's fine to be unsure about where you might head in life, but you need to let Rice know that you want to search out those options and challenges at Rice. They want excitement, commitment and honesty. Get it? I think you do. Show them you do.</p>
<p>Good luck</p>
<p>This may seem obvious, but I feel really unsure...</p>
<p>So I should write them a letter once again expressing my absolute interest in Rice? Say something like, " I'm writing this letter to reinforce my passion for attending Rice after being deferred. Then I could tell them why I want to go there and how I want to grow there, etc."</p>
<p>Would I address it to the admissions committee?</p>
<p>Thank you all.</p>
<p>Tell some (true) stories - what you've been doing and why. Rice is a small school, so they like to have "doers"; kids who will write for the newspaper, run the res colleges, play in the band, volunteer for outreach activities, get involved in research, lead tours for prospective students (tour guides are volunteers during the school year), etc, etc. Given the things you have been doing in past years, how will you contribute?</p>
<p>Your sentence sounds like a good start. Be careful not to make it too formal. Don't use the so called "standard lines" that everyone uses when they express their interest. The reality is that you have to come up with something that speaks about you as an individual. It has to be an honest discussion about yourself. Like anxiousmom said, tell a true honest story. This can be about how you've grown as a person and how this works for going to Rice.</p>
<p>The bottom line is that too many students just feed the admin people stories that say nothing about themselves, or put in catch all phrases that whine about getting in. The admissions people see through this shallow writing.</p>
<p>You have to be honest, original (creative) and thoughtful.</p>
<p>Perhaps you can tell them what you'd do if they didn't accept you. What would you do? How would it affect you?</p>
<p>As you write, write as if you were talking to a close friend....not an audience...and do the best job you can.</p>
<p>You're probably way too worked up over this. Rice is not the only great school in the US. There are plenty others.</p>
<p>Good luck</p>
<p>When I wrote a letter like this, I also told them about recent activities and awards. The letter was basically half update, half expression of clear interest. It worked for me.</p>
<p>One thing's for sure: I would definitely spend at least as much time on this letter as I would on a great essay, though I wouldn't necessarily make it as long unless I really had something to say.</p>