<p>Hey, I'm waitlisted, and I know my chances of getting accepted are pathetic at this point, but I'd at least like to try. ;) I wanna be one of those 37 out of 1300 people they let in. Haha. Here's the problem: according to my guidance counselor, "Waitlisted means we just wait and see..." I don't think that's right, lol.
I called admissions last week, and now I'm working on a letter to the admissions committee (or whoever you'd send that type of thing to). Could anyone give me the do's and don'ts for a letter begging to be accepted? Would it be a waste of money to visit the campus (is it too late to show interest? Not that I wasn't interested, I just live pretty far)? Should I send extra recs or an extra essay? Should I get a tattoo that says "Elon" and send them a picture?
Thanks so much for any advice!
And congratulations to everyone who got in. If you're planning on going somewhere else, TELL ELON NOW!!! LOL.</p>
<p>Well, nothing says lovin like a tattoo I suppose -- but nothing says "psycho" like it either :)</p>
<p>I would drop a private message to Carolyn, who I always rely on for admissions advice. Your GC is, as you know, dead wrong. If a school admits less than 5% off the waitlist, then "do nothing" is not good advice. </p>
<p>A visit would be nice, though if CA means California I don't think the lack of a visit would be held against you. If you do visit, request an interview with your admissions counselor. Elon technically doesn't take interviews into account in admissions decisions, but at this point what do you have to lose? You have great stats, and your mission is to somehow rise above the other 1300 people who might be in the "just wait" mode. </p>
<p>But don't wait to visit. Call your admissions counselor (NOT e-mail -- call). And just explain to him or her that 1. Elon remains your first choice, 2. You will definitely attend if admitted, and 3. Ask for any suggestions as to what to do in terms of extra recs/essay. If you visit, you can simply re-visit those questions in person.</p>
<p>And wrap it all up with a nice letter going back over the fact that you really want to attend. Attach the essay if you feel it was necessary, and send in the new recs. </p>
<p>Good luck.</p>
<p>Oh how I feel your pain! My older daughter went through waitlist hell last year. She just knew she would never get in since only one waitlisted kid had gotten in the previous year. She wrote a letter to an administrator she had met at a scholars luncheon and who had some indirect input on acceptances. She wrote of her disappointment and she also addressed some things that made her unique and would contribute to the university?s diversity and leadership. She never heard a word from this administrator but about three weeks later she received in her university email a survey for accepted students. When she called admissions to inquire about it they said they had planned to call that day and that she indeed had been accepted.! (100 kids got in off the waitlist that year at Carolina) Who knows if her letter had any affect on admissions, but I sure can?t believe it hurt. If you get your name in front of them again it can only help. Try to point out again what you offer them and certainly update them on anything new going on in your life like awards, job or travel. A good nudge never hurts especially when these poor people are probably fried from all the applications they have reviewed. Good luck!</p>
<p>First off, good luck. I agree with all the advice above. I'd call and write (not email) Admissions staff at Elon and honestly convey your interest and hopes. I'd try to be concise and optomistic. I'd emphasize interest, commitment and flexibility (any chance of a mid-year admission?). If you can get someone, preferably a GC, teacher, minister, coach, employer or other respected and articulate independent source to write a compelling letter on your behalf I'd hope that would make a difference. That might make a difference, especially if previous independent (GC?) references were not enthusiastic. If that's hard to come by, I'd suggest writing one yourself.</p>
<p>I'd hope you wouldn't be expected by Elon to travel from the west coast to confirm your interest and commitment. If you sense it might help, April is a great time to see the campus as it is at it's floriferous (spectacular azaleas) best.</p>
<p>Once again, best of luck.</p>
<p>Actually, while most of the people (parents, I'm guessing) are suggesting re-state what makes you different. I disagree. From my experience, which includes the experience of my very experienced GC as well as all my friends, you have to present something you may have left off your application. Or rather, if something on your application doesn't not as impressive as it should, emphasize it. If you've been doing research at a lab with someone and your application says lab assistant, that doesn't give you justice. If you went into detail about how that experience has really been a challenge and has given you confidence in school and the real world, that needs to be mentioned. This goes for anything. My college essay emphasized how the camp I had attended for 9 years had really increased my confidence socially, physically, and as a leader. Etc. etc., and I was accepted everywhere I applied, most of which with very nice packages. Prove you have the confidence to move on but also your previous excitement about going to college to further your education, but disappointment that, at this point, you will not be able to do that and become a leader at their institution. Just make sure they know you're still waiting to hear, but you're going to have to move on in the college process until you get an acceptance letter.</p>
<p>You might want to be sure to include in any letter you send that you would like to visit, but the distance is too far. When my daughter was applying, she was told that they did not consider anyone from the wait list who never visited Elon. Hopefully they will take into account the distance if you make an effort to point it out.</p>
<p>Does it make a huge difference if you are a male(white)? Since there is an inbalance in the female/male ratio (60%Female and 40%Male I believe). </p>
<p>Thanks</p>
<p>Also remember that not everyone is going to accept their position on the waitlist. I know i read somewhere they sent out 1000 waitlists(i dont know if that is right), but I know many people myself included are not going to accept their poisitions on the waitlist.</p>
<p>I think the 1000 number are the people who they expect to accept a place. Their Common Data Set says that last year they offered the waitlist to 3100+, and 1300+ accepted a spot on the list.</p>