<p>so... right after my basketball practice, i checked my decision online and it turns out i got deferred. although i didn't get in, i was somewhat proud of myself for coming this far. and i think all of you who got deferred should feel the same way... good job! </p>
<p>do NOT forget: there are DEFINITELY other awesome colleges that are lucky to have you.
so, cheer up!</p>
<p>and if anyone could suggest any advice for regular decision (such as updating resume, sat scores, etc.) please do so! it will be much appreciated! :)</p>
<p>kace0619, you are absolutely right. I know i might sound hypocritical because I was accepted (somehow...), I def. understand where u are coming from cus a family member went through the same process. ALL IS NOT LOST. You guys are some of the smartest, most brilliant people ever that colleges have seen. 1) You could still very well get into Duke RD and 2) Even if you dont, by April, you will have gotten into a school that either equals or exceeds your feelings for Duke.</p>
<p>You guys have so much to celebrate for: your accomplishments are incredible. Do not let some university's unfavorable news and screw up your holiday season. Work hard on the rest of your college apps and options will appear in front of you in no time. </p>
<p>I, personally, am so honored that I can even be compared to most of you guys. Keep up the awesome work, and maybe I will see some of you guys next year at Duke!</p>
<p>Way back in Fall 2004 I was deferred from Early Decision, and eventually accepted in the Spring. Here's my best advice:</p>
<p>1) GET IN TOUCH with your admissions counselor, or preferably have your guidance counselor do it if you have a good enough relationship with them. Let them know how interested you are. You GC may be able to decipher (via conversation with Duke) what the weaknesses were with your application, and once you know this you can really focus your supplemental materials to show Duke what you have to contribute to campus. My GC was able to talk to my counselor, who said they didn't really get who I was as a person BEYOND academics...my EC's weren't very strong...yada yada. I then submitted an employer recommendation (my job was a HUGE part of my life!) and my own personal letter which spoke to this. Plus, if anything doing this puts your name in their heads.</p>
<p>2) Send 1 or 2 more recs, but no more. Don't bombard them. I work for the admissions office right now, and if you send them 10 more recs they're obligated to read them, yes, but I don't think they ever get too much more out of huge amounts of letters.</p>
<p>3) Send a personal letter. Let them know how much you want to go to Duke, why, and what distinguishes you from everyone else who will apply!</p>
<p>4) Don't worry about updating your SAT scores or anything like that. If you weren't academically fit for Duke then they would have outright rejected you. They know you can succeed at Duke academically...you're past that...they want to know what you'll bring to campus!</p>
<p>Hope this helps! Feel free to PM me with any questions, and best of luck!</p>
<p>Should I send all the updated resume and recommendations until the deadline for the RD?</p>
<p>I think I sent a few after the deadline. If I remember correctly (you may want to call and ask them this...) I was told by the beginning of Feb or so would be a good time to have these things in.</p>