<p>How does one do this? I'd definitely like to court my top choice school, but how do I do it in a tasteful manner? What kinds of questions are typically appropriate, when is it too early to start (I'm currently a junior), how much contact is advisable to get the reps. to truly remember you and how much is TOO much?</p>
<p>If anyone could provide any insight, that would be much appreciated :).</p>
<p>And for the record, I'm not talking about ivy league schools, but smaller liberal arts colleges. Thanks!</p>
<p>Have you sent for printed materials yet? Find the link on their website, and definately get yourself on the mailing list! Also, you could schedule a visit. You can also send an email to an Admissions Counselor (although the may be very busy this time of year) to ask any questions you may have.</p>
<p>But what kind of questions are appropriate to ask? A lot of the questions I have can all be answered by just reviewing their website...</p>
<p>Definitely visit. Do an interview with an admissions person there if the school offers it. If you ever have to call them up with questions about status of your app/problems/whatever, throw in that the school is your first choice. In your "Why X?" essays, show how much you know about the school and why you'd be a perfect fit. Maybe talk to an alumni and get them to write you a letter of rec. As for questions you might ask, ask more qualitative questions or thoughtful ones about availability of profs, study abroad opportunities, school atmosphere, responsiveness of administration, etc. </p>
<p>One more thing - for Harvard, I contacted a prof and we had a friendly email convo. I sent him an article I wrote and a polite request for a rec. While he said that a rec would not make any difference, he did encourage me to send the article to admissions. For some schools, if you can get a professor to advocate for you, it can be a small boost to your app. While profs don't have any real recruiting power, it's still another sign that you're interested in their school.</p>
<p>Is spring of jr year too early to start? And is "sucking-up" bad?</p>
<p>Not to early to visit and establish interest. And part of the point is not just to "suck up", but also to learn more about that school. Ask a prof for a syllabus, ask about the kind of classroom discussions they have, ask about research opportunities over the summer, whatever.</p>
<p>Definately not too early; our first college visit for D was fall of Jr. year. First interview was April of Jr. year. Today is March 17; time to get crackin! Also, sucking up is good, very good.</p>
<p>Also, some colleges explicitly state that they do not track interest. Should I even bother going out of my way at these schools? of course I'll still ask all the questions I have etc, but I won't be pulling my neck to find excuses to talk to someone at admissions.
Btw, unless a college explicitly states that they do not track interest (I know Yale is one college that does this) I am assuming that contatc is advisable.</p>
<p>Well I don't undrestand how will they know who you are? I mean, what is the point of interviewing profs. when they don't even know your name...I guess what I'm trying to say is, how exactly 'interviews, emails and etc to school' will get you known to the admissions office out of prolly 50000 applicants?</p>
<p>By the way are you guys High School applicants?</p>
<p>1) I sent a clip of my journalism to admissions with a cover letter saying that I had contacted a professor (and that the prof was great, etc.) who had encouraged me to send the clip. </p>
<p>2) Interviews are added to your file. Alumni interviews are used in decision making and so are on campus interviews.</p>
<p>3) Emails are probably the least effective way... Really, email if you have a real question/concern, not just to suck up. Although it doesn't ever hurt to mention that they're your first choice.</p>
<p>I am a high school applicant who has been accepted to a few highly selective colleges. These are just suggestions and some things I've done. I doubt they've had a big effect on my decisions, to be honest, but it depends on the school. The smaller and more personal it is, the more likely strong interest will be noted.</p>
<p>So lingbo - instead of emailing, should I just call? And unknown, some colleges do actively track interest. Usually in e-mails, you say your name...</p>
<p>Thanks Lingbo</p>
<p>A while back, I have sent a few emails to the admissions office regarding change of major...and they successfully changed my major. You think that looks pretty bad?</p>
<p>If I email the admissions office agian what should I ask them to show some intrest?</p>
<p><strong><em>boink</em></strong></p>
<p>I would say rather than badgering reps with excessive emails, during reading season no less, take all obvious steps first:
Get on the mailing list.
Go to college fairs.
If the college visits your school, go to the meeting.
VISIT CAMPUS AND INTERVIEW.
Come up with interesting questions and ask them during these opportunities. Only email reps with genuine questions.</p>
<p>Also, the most obvious way to show interest of course is by applying early. I highly reccomend applying ED if you can come up with a first choice. Getting in early takes such a load off of your senior year.</p>
<p>unfortunately...ED is binding...whether or not your family can pay....</p>