<p>Question: I was recently placed on the wait list at all my top choices (Northwestern, Columbia, and Washington University in St. Louis). If a wait list letter requests that I do not submit any additional information, would it be in my best interest to follow instructions rather than sending a letter expressing my great [...]</p>
<p>I'd say you should only send them stuff if you've got an interesting new update, like you got some really high scores on your AP tests or you won some award. Otherwise, you shouldn't bother them.</p>
<p>Ya, I totally agree with mmnadeau. But be confident! Being on the waitlist means you still have chance, ha?</p>
<p>Last year my son was in your shoes and he got off the waitlist at his first choice. He wrote to the admisions office and made it clear that if they accepted him he would definitely say yes. You have to remember that at this point the admission officers have already made an assessment about your application. If you're on the waitlist they obviously think that you're a good match for the school - they don't need / want to know more. Their job now is filling the incoming class. Knowing who will definitely attend if admitted helps them at this stage - and might help your chances. At least it can't hurt. Also, if you know an alum from the school you want to attend - having them write a supportive letter now would be OK. We have a family friend who knows my son and who wrote to the school on his behalf. Whether these these things made any real difference - who knows - but they were 'soft-touch' ways to keep the process - and dialogue - with the school alive. Good luck.</p>
<p>Last year I was waitlisted at 6 "top" schools. Ultimately I was accepted into two of them and Cornell gave me the "Guaranteed Transfer" option. I wrote a nice, upbeat letter about how the end of senior year was working out, letting them know about a few accomplishments, and underscoring my interest in their school. I also had my guidance counselor reenforcing the fact that I'd go if accepted. If you'd like, PM me and I can share one of the letters I wrote last year. Good luck! I was holding my breath to hear from these schools until JUNE 28TH when the last one finally informed me that the wait was over.</p>
<p>I wouldn't fret too much. There's no need to add unnecessary stress to your senior year. If you're accepted, great. If not, there's plenty of other colleges out there. Do you have a safety school?</p>
<p>Keep in mind your undergraduate education is trivial compared to graduate school. If you don't get into the top schools you mentioned, why not apply for grad school and go to a safety school? By then you will have proven through your college work that you can handle their academic rigor.</p>
<ol>
<li><p>Call the admissions office and tell them you'd like to update them on your most recent achievements/activities, whatever. Ask if there is someone you should contact.</p></li>
<li><p>If they give you the go-ahead, write a letter to the specified person or department. </p></li>
<li><p>Be professional, to the point and write it well. Briefly discuss your current activities/accomplishments, then state you will definitely enroll if accepted. Add a little "I sincerely hope to join the class of ___ 2012" if you want.</p></li>
</ol>
<p>Good luck!</p>
<p>got a voicemail today saying school was calling to give us an update on their waitlist and to call them - so you think that's good news?</p>
<p>Why aren't you on the phone rather than posting here? :)</p>
<p>UNC Chapel Hill making calls today... go to UNC CC page and you'll see the separate thread.</p>
<p>so Boston College said they cant give out info over the phone about the waitlist and they do not encourage additional rec letters to be sent. do you think they would care if i sent a teacher rec anyway? and i also wanted to send an essay i wrote for another app last fall because Ive realized my common app essay wasnt good at all and the one I want to send them is much better, what do you think? </p>
<p>oh and then do you think they would care if i called anyway or sent them a letter asking how i can get in touch with an admissions rep? i really just want to talk to someone and get some more info.</p>