<p>Hi all - I applied early decision and received my result that I was deferred today, like many of us wistfully creeping along this forum and the pledge thread.</p>
<p>I'm interested in the (almost futile) possibility of strengthening my application. Where I'm standing right now, my academics and extra-curriculars have not changed over the last few months. However, after reading some articles online, I came across a few other suggestions for deferred applicants and was wondering if you all would be able to give me some advice on the effectiveness of these tips:</p>
<ol>
<li><p>Is another recommendation worth it? I have one other teacher in mind that I believe would be willing to write me a strong recommendation, however, I'm not totally sure that it would have a great effect on my application as a whole, if I've already submitted two other recommendations. When do you believe a third recommendation would help the application?</p></li>
<li><p>Adding supplementary materials? I've submitted two poems that are going to be published in a book by my school's writing staff later this year. Would adding another writing sample (or art sample, if that's the case) help at all? I'm considering submitting a piece of a different style. I'm not sure that this wouldn't weaken my application though - as I've designated my major as Political Science. However, I know that I am a strong writer. (My mom jokingly suggested that I submit a poem about the anxiety and emotions associated with the application/waiting process - what do you think?). </p></li>
<li><p>Submitting a baby photo - okay, don't take me seriously on this one. I'm curious if any of you have ever heard of someone doing it, and whether it made a difference or not. I'm just playing, of course, but I was one cute baby.</p></li>
<li><p>A letter describing my new membership to the Mayflower Society? It adds heritage and tradition of living in the Northeast United States to my application. Is this a viable addition?</p></li>
<li><p>One more question - some articles I read suggested that I call the admissions office and ask about the weaknesses of my application. This is totally out of the question with a school like Harvard, right? Do people actually do this?</p></li>
</ol>
<p>Please help, I'll take any advice you have - even if it isn't part of my questions! Thank you!</p>
<p>Although I’d like to know what to do as well.
I read that it wouldn’t be wise to badger the admissions office, and frankly it wouldn’t be the end of the world for me if I DIDN’T get into Harvard, but I would like to remind them of who I am before they reconsider</p>
<p>You should take the next month and examine why you want Harvard. </p>
<p>What exactly does Harvard offer you and what do you offer Harvard? And, the reason cannot be because of Harvard’s prestige, or the fact that you’ve always wanted to go to Harvard. Specifically identify “Why Harvard” – as opposed to Yale, Princeton, Stanford et al. </p>
<p>If you can find the answer to that question, then take the next month and compose a brilliant letter to your regional admissions officer (you can get their email from your GC). In the letter include any updates since you last submitted your application. </p>
<p>If you call the Admissions Office and ask why you were deferred, they will not tell you due to the confidentiality of the admissions process. Generally, submitting another letter of recommendation (or a letter stating your relatives came over on the Mayflower) will have zero effect on the outcome of their RD decisions. Likewise, with supplementary materials or baby pictures. </p>
<p>Remember: Harvard thought you were a competitive applicant otherwise you would not have been deferred. So, you’re still in the running, but with Admissions taking so many kids from the SCEA round, your actual chances of getting admitted have diminished. That’s the new reality – so you should take the time to grieve, and then re-double your efforts on your RD schools, if you have not submitted those apps yet. </p>
<p>I emailed asking for a contact name and i got this response:</p>
<p>Thank you for contacting our office. It is not necessary to be in
touch with the admissions officer who reviews file for your area; all
admission decisions are made by a committee, after reviewing the
materials that are submitted with your application. If you would like
to add information to your application, to be reviewed by the
admission officer and committee, you may do so by email, fax, or
post. If you choose to submit by email, please note that we do not
accept attachments.</p>
<p>If you have further questions, please let us know.</p>
<p>^^ That’s why I suggested you get the email from your GC because Admissions does NOT give out the email addresses of regional officers. </p>
<p>While all decisions are made by committee, not all applications are brought to the full committee. The regional admissions officer is the person who brings an applicant’s file to the committee, and they present the application to the committee as if they were a lawyer in court fighting for their client. That’s why it’s important to have the regional admissions officer in your court, so to speak.</p>
<p>Still interested in advice, if anyone’s out there. Anything would help, particularly if you’re someone who was deferred then accepted, or know someone who was.</p>
<p>Mayflower Society info is not appropriate. Writing published in a school staff publication not worth it. A third recommendation not worth it unless it adds something new and substantial. It’s hard but you might just have to sit tight. In the meantime, think about your other options and try to be happy about them.</p>