Deferred to regular applicant pool; what supplementary material should I send?

Applying to College
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<p>Hey everyone! I am new to the forum, and would love some advice on my present issue.</p>

<p>I applied non-binding early action to my first-choice school, and was deferred to the regular admission pool. This was tough on me, but I decided that the only thing I can do now is to try and prove my worth!</p>

<p>I took a fairly challenging courseload my 1st semester and received six A's and one D. The D was from my math class. I tried extremely hard, studied for hours every weekend, and had tutoring three times a week, but to no avail. My teacher and counselor were aware of my difficulties and the fact that I truly did everything in my power to pass. Would it be inappropriate for either to send a letter alerting them of this fact, or would simply sending my mid-year report and keeping mum be the best way the handle the situation?</p>

<p>Also, due to timing, I am not able to take the SAT again. I sent in my December SAT results despite the fact that they would miss the deadline, as they bumped my writing score up to a 720. I feel powerless! I am still intensely involved in community service, as I was before. This college does not allow interviews, although I already sent in two (optional) letters of recommendation- one from my general counselor and one from a junior year teacher who is also an alum.</p>

<p>The college's website, in notifying me of my admission status, says "1st semester senior grades, additional test scores, etc.". Basically my question is, what can constitute "etc"?</p>

<p>Thank you so much for any help!</p>

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<p>Hey photobuff, if your counselor is helpful and friendly toward you, I’d suggest you ask him/her to call the Admissions counselor at your target college, express his/her support of you, and ask what would make your application more attractive. They’re limited in what they can tell a current applicant, but sometimes they’ll be more forthcoming with a high school counselor. Then the counselor can tell you what they’re looking for from you. It might be grades, another essay or a recommendation from a teacher of a specific subject, or who knows what.</p>

<p>A student deferred from Harvey Mudd tried that this year and received very specific feedback that helped him to round out his application. It might work for you too. Good luck!</p>

<p>Oh – And if I were you, I would keep up with the safeties just in case, but your upbeat attitude is just perfect! If I were the adcom, I’d weigh that kind of attitude heavily in itself. :)</p>