<p>I told my other GC today that I got waited at Stanford. He suggested that I write a letter to the dean of admissions (Shrier?) and to the department head of engineering. I told him (and mentioned in my essay) that Stanford is doing particular research in a certain field of engineering that really appeals to me because it exactly matches my career goals and why I want to work with two professors at the college, which I do intend to if I hopefully get in.</p>
<p>My only concern is that a letter like this might backfire. I would probably say something like, I'm disappointed I got wl'd, but Stanford offers this thing (research) that I'm very in tune in and would love to pursue. </p>
<p>I don't want to get into Stanford for the good eng school and the name. I really want to go there because of this research, and I want to let them know of that again at the expense of repeating myself. Is this a good idea? </p>
<p>You already told them why you want to attend. Now tell them why they should want you. What can you contribute to the school, to the research and/or to college life that they want?</p>
<p>I just did this for Pitt. I sent them a letter expressing my desire to attend, but also updating them on my most recent achievements. It was professional, genuine and well-written. </p>
<p>I say go for it! Definitely. If you can, get in contact with an admissions counselor and let them know you're interested in writing a letter. Ask who you should contact. </p>
<p>They are a large school, and not everyone they admit wants to go as badly. Good luck!</p>
<p>One thing to keep in mind: Stanford said they don't want a lot of new paperwork coming in. Just update in the space allowed on the waitlist page. Sometimes you need to follow instructions.</p>
<p>The only thing I'm worried about is that it'll backfire. What should I avoid saying? I'm thinking, don't say things like I'm disappointed I didn't get in, but do say that I will go if admitted. I shouldn't say i already got into other top engineering schools but like the research going on at Stanford and that I'd rather be there, right?</p>
<p>Some tips appreciated. I'm not the most diplomatic writer here.</p>
<p>It also is nice if you can accompany your letter with recent developments; what's changed (may or may not be new awards), or is going to change, since your application.</p>
<p>Stanford said specifically not to send in ANYTHING, though. "respectfully request you refrain from" yadda yadda. And in their FAQs they said the only thing you can do is update on their wait list submission site. (Even there, the limit is 600 characters with spaces; though the textbox doesn't stop you. It took me a tonnnn of editing to get a statement down to 588 characters. This post itself is probably already around 500.) They say that any additional materials sent in will not be considered. </p>
<p>What do you guys think? I'm weighing whether or not I should do it.</p>
<p>I would recommend not doing it like Chedva said. I will rather wait until they accept me. better safe then sorry. For the mean time, I would look at other colleges I've been accepted to and try and fall in love with those.</p>