Brandeis actually visited my school last month, but, unfortunately, I did not visit. I’m from Nashville, TN and, until recently, I did not think I was willing to go as far as the Boston-y area for college, looking more so at colleges within an 8 hour driving distance. But, I’ve had a big change of heart, looking at more colleges farther away. I began to look into Brandeis and have really fallen in love with it. But I’ve also heard that demonstrated interest is a big thing in admissions there, and am worried that me totally ignoring them when they visited my school might reflect badly and make it seem like I don’t really want to go to the school…? I probably (almost definitely) won’t be able to get up there for a visit, but, besides trying to schedule an alumni interview in my area, what is the best way that I should show interest for the school?
My stats are on track for the school, btw. 31 composite ACT (32 superscored which I think it does?) and a 3.9 unweighted gpa, 4.65 weighted.
Ok, I’ll definitely do the interview, but my parents won’t allow me to do ED anywhere because they want to see if I’ll get merit from any colleges… Can you think of any other way that would be great to show interest?
Also, if I email my state’s rep, should I mention about how I skipped her info session and kind of just talk about how my appreciation for Brandeis just started recently but I definitely want to go? Basically, should I just mention that I regret not going to her info session/interview thing?
On the Brandeis website it probably has a schedule of when they are visiting your area again. Brandies does not only visit high schools, they usually are at college fairs and sometimes they rent space in local hotels to meet with high school students. Perhaps you can find something that meets your schedule. And yes let the Brandeis rep know you are interested, perhaps e mail her with questions that are not already answered on the web site.
Email her. Introduce yourself. Let her know that you are very interested in Brandeis, but you were unable to attend the presentation at your school. You don’t really have to give a reason, and you don’t have to be untruthful. Just say that you are very sorry that you missed it. Do your homework on the Brandeis website, and in an enthusiastic way tell her some of the reasons (be specific) why you think that Brandeis would be such a good fit for you. Mention something that you’ll add to the school ("I’m really excited about the ______________ community service opportunity at Brandies. It’s similar to what I’ve done here at Nashville, and something that I want to continue doing when I’m in college). Then ask her if/when she’s giving another presentation in your area. Ultimately try to develop some sort of loose ongoing dialogue with her. When your application is presented to the admissions committee, she’ll be the presenter and your advocate. You want her to present you as a kid who’s seriously interested in the school, who’s enthusiastic and upbeat, and who will bring something to the school.
Don’t be bashful/shy about doing this, and don’t hesitate to promote yourself – just don’t be over the top. Your academics are certainly good enough to get in. You’re the type of applicant that they want to hear from. Take the initiative.