HELP! Waitlisted after deferred ED

Applying to College
1

<p>Hello, I am an Asian-American girl from Washington State who applied Early Decision to Cornell's CAS and got deferred; I was then waitlisted during Regular Decision.</p>

<p>When I was deferred from Cornell I was upset and a bit disappointed, but then I didn't really expect to get accepted (because my GPA and SAT were low for Cornell's average) so I was rather thankful to be given even a deferral. Cornell was still my dream school, top choice so I sent an additional letter of recommendation and my own letter to show that I was still interested, with a paragraph explaining my recent achievements. </p>

<p>I really really hoped to get accepted during RD and although I think wait-list is not that bad at all, waiting for two more months to hear a final decision is quite painful. However, I'm trying to remain very positive and determined. I believe that waitlist is a lot better than a rejection and I still have some hope, even though it may be only a 0.1%, but still. I am waitlisted and not straight rejected because of reasons.. I am never thinking of giving up on Cornell so I eagerly want to do everything to help me get accepted in May... and here is what I have done so far. </p>

<p>A few days ago I sent another letter of interest to Cornell (both to my regional director and the CAS Admissions Dean) stating Cornell's is my top hoice and if admitted, I will 100% enroll with reasons and possible contribution to the school. I also included that I recently won Grand Prize at the State Japanese Speech Contest and has been selected as a top 15 finalist to participate in the National Speech next month for two years in a row. I also mailed Cornell a neat self-made crapbook/portfolio of my publication in local community newspapers 5 times this year, all in four different languages - Korean, Chinese, Japanese, and English. I plan on majoring in Asian Studies and have done many activities related to East Asian languages and cultures, and these achievements are related to my possible major, showing my passions, abilities, and dedication. </p>

<p>I wonder all the materials and accomplishment I've sent will increase my chance of getting accepted off the interest. After I mailed, I e-mailed the CAS Dean and my regional director to follow up and asked questions regarding the waitlist. I think I should've contacted either of them right after knowing my waitlist, so around the beginning of April, but it's not too late to do that in mid/late April, right? Calling and e-mailing, which one is better? Should I also send an additional recommendation letter from a teacher or someone who values me very highly? Should I keep calling or e-mailing the CAS Dean and my regional director 3-4 more times even after the mail? If so, what should I ask/tell them? I don't want to sound obnoxious and too pushy.</p>

<p>What other things I can do could you think of to help me get accepted off the wait-list?
Do you, in fact, think that getting waitlisted RD from deferred ED is actually a soft rejection? :(
I'd love to have any of your opinions on wait-list. </p>

<p>I desperately want to go to Cornell, although Cornell might not want me right away.
I am never never never giving up on it and hope to hear the best news in my life in upcoming May or June. </p>

<p>I truly appreciate you for taking your time to read this long thread!</p>

2

<p>I think at this time, you have done all that you can to increase your chances to get off of the waitlist. Anything else that you do will be extraneous and can possibly have negative effects (i.e., annoying people. Think about it – you’re not the only one on the waitlist). No, you should not continue to call the dean and the regional director 3-4 more times. What you need to do is be patient and wait until May 1 – you’ve already submitted a record of your continued interest, and admissions directors know that pretty much anyone who doesn’t pull themselves off the waitlist is still hoping on the school. So rest assured. No additional recommendation letters – the school has already adjudged you competent of attending, which is evidenced by your wait list (and not rejection).</p>

<p>Opinions on the wait list? It sucks! But what you should really do right now is focus on choosing amongst the other schools to which you got accepted (you did apply and get accepted to other places, right?) and falling in love with another school that you would be happy to attend should Cornell not accept anyone from the wait list. Also, you should send in an enrollment deposit somewhere else before May 1, lest you lose a spot at a great college and then not get into Cornell.</p>

<p>Good luck!</p>

3

<p>It’s time to move on and love a school you’re in at. They gave your applications two reads, chances are very slim now. Let it be a nice surprise if you get in.</p>

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<p>I was waitlisted after being deferred after applying ED to a school so i know how it feels. I’ve sent them letter and my new grades. So for now I’m just waiting it out.</p>

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<p>I totally agree with julliet. It seems like you’ve made a pretty great argument, considering your major (and by that I mean, sending a scrapbook wouldn’t be impressive if you were trying to become a chemical engineering major but with Asian Studies that seems more than adequate). DON’T call/email again. But when you get accepted (think positive!), call/email one more time, just to say thanks. =] And then you can meet them when you get there in the fall.
Also, the difference between emailing and calling can be really big to some people. Calling shows that you are personable and that you really care. Then again, you could be interrupting them during an important time. Emailing shows that you care but it could show that you’re too lazy to call. But then the person can read/reply at their leisure. Personally, I would send an email, only because these people are very busy and they probably won’t view you as lazy.</p>

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<p>BUMP… any other ideas and advices? Thanks a lot to those who commented! Great help :D</p>

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<p>I have another question.
Although Cornell’s FA is need-blind for US citizens, I’ve heard that it doesn’t count for wait-listees. Should I cancel my FA request and tell Cornell that I’ll pay for the full tuition if accepted? However when I e-mailed the FA office if there would be any limitations in FA for accepted students from the waitlist, they reply that the amount of FA award to me would not change whether I was accepted during RD or off the waitlist… What do you guys think though?
Thank you very much again :)</p>

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<p>^How exactly are you planning to word that?
I’m not sure how to say “Pick me because I’ll pay you more” lol</p>

9

<p>bumpppppppppppppppp lol</p>

10

<p>Not needing aid would help at most schools, if you don’t need it tell them.</p>