<p>...into RD for University of San Diego. I'm, a little annoyed however the letter states that "...early action was only offered to a small number of our most competitive candidates" which, I suppose seems consistent to what was posted on here as most everyone who was admitted EA to USD received a merit scholarship. </p>
<p>They want me to send my last semester grades (which I'm happy to do because I got a 4.05 including two AP's and an Honors class) </p>
<p>However, they also state "We also welcome any additional information you may wish to provide". Does this mean I should submit something additional? Should I include a letter addressing why I want to go to USD/why USD would be a good fit for me? Any opinions would be great...</p>
<p>No, I think what they're asking for is if you've won a major award or completed a major project after you've submitted your EA application, you should let them know about those.</p>
<p>Additional essays are not necessary.</p>
<p>Agreed. Updates are good, but they should be substantive. If you won an award, were elected team captain, got the lead part in the musical, finished your Eagle Scout project, raised thousands (or hundreds) for a local charity... anything that would make you a more attractive candidate, that's the kind of stuff to send in an update. You can re-affirm your intent to attend if admitted, but I wouldn't send another essay unless they say they want one.</p>
<p>Thank you guys both SO much for your replys. In the last semester I have spent a lot of time involved in a leadership position in my school's S.T.A.N.D (Students Taking Action Now in Darfur) chapter and organized a fundraiser in early December. Would that be something I could discuss? </p>
<p>I'm pretty sure I was defered because my GPA is on the cusp of what their standards are, should I note my upward trend during 11th/12th grade, or should I leave academics out of it?</p>
<p>also, would it be a good or bad idea to call the admissions office and ask why I was deferred?</p>
<p>Send them an updated High School resume (make sure you it known that it is an updated resume and includes information not included on the one that you sent with your original application). Include any additional awards and recognitions (make sure you include the new leadership position that you mentioned). </p>
<p>Do you have a good relationship with your guidance counselor or high school principal? Sometimes, they are willing to personally make a phone call to the admission's office on behalf of students that they firmly believe have strong academic potential as well as strong character. In my opinion, this would be a very convincing piece of information for an admission's officer to take into consideration.</p>
<p>Good Luck.</p>
<p>@anth007: As nysmile suggests, have your GC call the Admissions office to ask (not just to advocate for you, but to ask what could be done to make your application stronger) and report back to you. They may be more forthcoming with the GC than they would be with you.</p>
<p>And yes, both the STAND chapter and the upward GPA trend are valuable as updates. Perhaps all the more so because you raised your grades while you were dedicating so much time to the chapter, which may convey a seriousness that they didn't associate with your transcript before. Definitely worth an update imho.</p>
<p>Once again, thanks everyone so much for your input. This really helps a lot =)</p>
<p>I am going to meet with my GC on Tuesday...I have a very good relationship with her, she was a sorority sister with my mom and has kept an eye out for me throughout HS...I will approach her about making a call to the admin office, in addition to an "updates" letter/resume</p>