<p>I was just wondering how important it is to make a relationship with the regional admissions counselor for nd and how to start the lines of communication with them if I don't have a specific question, rather just want to express interest?</p>
<p>Getting in touch with your regional rep is a very important thing to do, especially if you are truly serious about Notre Dame. As someone who was waitlisted, my rep was my ticket into Notre Dame and it was because I had developed such a strong correspondence with him that it really helped. I still talk to him now and I’ve helped him with admissions activities!</p>
<p>E-mail is the easiest way to get in touch and is an easy way to make the connection. From there, you should try to see them in person, especially if they are coming to your area. Asking questions and expressing your interest are the best things to do during correspondences. Get to know your rep well, it’s their job to vouch for you, so it’s important that they know as much as possible about you!</p>
<p>I believe ballerinawriter overstates the importance a bit. S/he is correct that this is one person who will review your application and form an opinion of you and possibly present your file to the admissions committee. However, this opinion can be negatively impacted by excessive or annoying emails/contacts just as easily as it can be positively impacted. I was at a regional event where a father had to be asked three times to be quiet and allow others to speak without interruption. His daughter was trying her best to look like she didn’t know him (even though he had already introduced her).</p>
<p>Also, remember that the regional rep is a professional who is responsible for the integrity of the application process. Most selective schools emphasize that their decisions are based solely on what is included in the application file. The school does not want to place students at a disadvantage if they can’t visit campus or live in a rural location too far from a regional visit. Adcoms are human and their biases will impact even the most highly trained professional, but they try to minimize its impact.</p>
<p>I have emailed mine a couples times, the first to ask whether or not i should apply early, and the second time because my college counsellor mistakenly sent two recommendations (I’ve heard ND doesnt like when you send more than one). I just noticed on the Common App that my college counsellor sent a third one even though we talked about this already… would it be annoying to email my rep again about this?</p>
<p>I have to agree with both ballerinawriter and rmldad. </p>
<p>First, ballerinawriter. My daughter was also waitlisted last year and was ultimately admitted (and LOVES ND, what a great day when she was called by, yes, her regional admissions rep to be offered a spot in the class of 2016). Although I do not believe that her relationship with the regional rep was her “ticket” into ND (her stats definitely were), it was certainly important that this rep knew her, was more than willing to respond to her emails, welcomed relevant updates, and provided appropriate encouragement. I believe that if a person is waitlisted–and has the requisite qualifications, which they wouldn’t be waitlisted without–it is very important that the rep knows how much an ND spot means to that individual. The only way to do that is TELL them, by providing non-annoying, relevant updates and having, for lack of better words, a professional, “non-stalker-ish” relationship with your rep. Be genuine. Be interested. Take the time to introduce yourself (not have your parent do it) at a visit to your area or campus if you can go. Follow up with hand-written thank you notes after the first encounter and subsequent letters–yes even the deferral and/or waitlist letter. Here you can also reiterate your interest and not just to the person who signs those letters (it’s important to thank them too) but to your regional rep.</p>
<p>I also agree with rlmdad. I’ve experienced those cringe worthy parent who take over a presentation/tour. If you want to build a relationship with the rep you do it. Don’t be annoying, be professional. It’s called networking in business and if done respectfully and (sorry for the repetition) appropriately, it can be networking in the college admissions process.</p>
<p>tbo1123–I would not email again about the third letter. If you are really worried, I would ask your counselor to check in, but I don’t think extra letters are going to hurt you. </p>
<p>Good luck to everyone–I hope you become a member of the ND class of 2017!</p>
<p>Thanks everyone for the insight! My guidance counselor has never really talked about even having a regional rep so I’m glad I asked! I emailed mine on Friday night so hopefully she gets back to me within the week!</p>