I recently was rejected from one of my top programs, as a pre-medicine student, though accepted into the college itself. Though the program is competitive, I was not expecting to be rejected: however, I understand that competitive programs can cause competitive people to be rejected, as they have only 20-30 spots to fill. I wanted to email the admissions committee of the program to see if there was anything specific about my application they found lacking or off-putting, to show myself as a better candidate for other similar programs.
I asked the advice of my parents, who both believe that there is nothing wrong with sending an email to ask if my application has any specific drawbacks to it. However, they also think I should appeal to the program’s admission committee, speaking about things that were not previously mentioned in my application, with the intention of getting an interview (second phase of application process), as one would with a letter of deferral.
From the very limited experience I have, I think it’s slightly unprofessional to approach a rejection letter the same way as a deferral letter, writing in a way that assumes that the admission decision is not final. My parents disagree, saying that negotiation is not looked down upon in job interviews, and also would not be in college admissions. However, I think rejections are more steadfast in college admissions than job interviews, and that it would be unprofessional to appeal/beg to get an interview in the program, and I should have included any information I thought would be relevant in the original application.
So, in short:
Is it wrong for me to send an email to see if there is anything I can improve on for other programs?
Is it professional for me to appeal to a rejection letter?
If you do send in such a letter, asking why you were not accepted and/or trying to appeal, expect to get back the standard “we had many well-qualified applicants for few openings and had to make some tough choices, but it in no way reflects on your abilities or chances of success in the future.”
Few colleges will be forthright with a HS student since they don’t want to get into an argument or protracted back-and-forth (which is exactly what you have in mind, with the “things that were not previously mentioned in my application” that can go on indefinitely each time they say sorry).
If you want to find out why they may have turned you down, your best chance is to ask your GC to call on your behalf. Although, to be honest, it may be too late to even send in new material to your other colleges.
There’s nothing to gain by doing this and @mikemac is correct that you won’t get any satisfaction from the answers you’ll receive (if they even respond at all).
As has been reiterated in this forum a million times, premed is really a bit meaningless. Focus on having top grades throughout undergrad, and get accepted to a great medical school. Don’t waste anymore energy on this. You will not be accepted to the program. This wasn’t a deferral. Everything happens for a reason.
Pre-med is a group of classes required by medical schools to be considered for admission. Major in what you wish and take those courses. Usually those who call themselves “pre-med” are biology majors that also take courses in Psychology, Chemistry etc. You don’t need to be a Biology major to take the required courses. If I were to ask the school any questions it would be concerning if they limit access to anatomy and physiology courses and such. Unless it is a small LAC I don’t think you should have an issue getting the classes you need.
You answered your own question: " understand that competitive programs can cause competitive people to be rejected, as they have only 20-30 spots to fill." That is probably the reason you got rejected. With many qualified applicants, committees strive to ensure some diversity in terms of gender, race/ethnicity, geography, interests, backgrounds, etc. Meeting the qualifications is not alone reason to believe you will be accepted, as there will by many others who meet them too. Appealing will not bring satisfaction in this case.
I think the question to ask is, assuming top grades etc., will the college recommend you to med school admission if you are not in this program. If the answer is yes then it is fine to attend without being in the program. If the answer is no (which seems unlikely given how small the program is) then consider other college options.
And IMO nobody should expect to get into a program as small as 20-30 people. The numbers are just too small.