My daughter was deferred from her ED school. She sent her rep, (someone who she has met at her HS and at this college) an email letting her know she was still very interested and asked if there was anything she could do to strengthen her application. The rep never responded. She was deferred from one of her EA schools and sent a similar email, and this rep responded the next day.
A month or so before the admissions decision came out she sent her rep an important update and asked that it be added to her file. Unlike other reps who got the same update, this person did not respond. Prior to these 2 snubs this rep was very friendly. Fortunately, my D has other acceptances at schools that interest her and she should have more coming, but she’s still interested in her ED school. Personally, I turned off at this point.
Her grades are great and her ECs are very interesting, and I’m pretty sure her teacher and GC recs are great. The only thing she could improve upon is her SAT, but it’s too late for that.
Anything I can do? Anything else my daughter can do? How important is your regional rep? Thanks for any advice.
@citymama9
“Personally, I turned off at this point.”
you need to chill!! seriously ! they are not “snubbing” you.
the college rep for your DD’s ED school is now on academic break. as are ALL college admissions officers . kids have gone home. schools are on academic recess. college reps are not on 24/7 duty to nervous parents.
ALL admissions reps have worked their buns off, criss-crossing the country for the past 5 months , NON STOP, and now are taking a well needed break. so chill please.
I’m sure he/ she will get back to you early in 2019.
relax…
Regional reps sometimes change and the colleges don’t update the info. Or they go on medical leave, quit their jobs, take vacation, or are working extra to cover for some other rep who is doing one of those things. Plus, you are contacting them at the crazy busiest time of the year for them.
This is why I think it is usually better to send updates and queries to the general admissions email vs trying to get a response from one person. Going forward, have your D do that instead. Have her ask that whatever info she sends be considered as part of her app, and ask for confirmation that her request was received.
Remember that your kid will likely never interact with the admissions staff again after May 1. So letting annoyance with one particular person in admissions affect your attitude toward the whole college isn’t very productive.
Finally, I don’t think it is great to ask them how her app could be strengthened. Ask your GC, not the college rep after they’ve deferred her. There is plenty of info available on what colleges consider to be a strong app, test score ranges, etc. I think you know why she was deferred (test scores). And don’t mistake the rep doing their job (being friendly with your kid and encouraging them to apply) with anything more personal than that.
Thank you @intparent All good points!
Excellent advice from @intparent.
I would suggest that all email communication from an applicant to a school always be sent to both the regional rep assigned to your area AND the general admission office email address.
This may be appropriate if that’s how the school asks for communication to be handled. First and foremost, though, your DD should make sure she’s following the college’s instructions. If the college asks for updates to be uploaded via the portal, then don’t email. If they ask for info to be emailed to the general email address, don’t email the director of admissions.
I agree with @intparent