<p>I have posted this on another board, but I figured you guys could help me. Hopefully you can help me.</p>
<p>So here's my situation, I have been accepted to Cornell University and placed on the waiting list for Harvard University. I am considered an international applicant due to my visa status, but I have lived here in the United States for almost 10 years. I attend a public school in California and since it's just me and my mom, we're not very wealthy. Because of my international status, we don't qualify for in-state fees at the UC's, and most private schools don't give us financial aid. Luckily, Cornell does give financial aid since I am a Mexican Citizen. Still, the amount of fin aid I was offered makes it quite difficult for my mom to pay for my education. This is a major dissapointment, as I really DO like Cornell. Basically, this is where Harvard comes in. Before the decisions came in, I considered Harvard a major reach and a school that I probably would be rejected at. I really do like Harvard though, and not just for the prestige factor. I visited it over the summer, talked to students, had a great interview with an alumnus, and generally fell in love with the school. </p>
<p>Now I know that the chances of getting accepted off the waiting list at Harvard are very, very small. However, the alumnus who interviewed me has spoken with his contact in the admissions office and this leads me to believe that I may have a shot at this. I've written a letter of interest (if anyone would care to proofread it or just read it over that'd be GREATLY appreciated) and one of my teachers offered to write me an additional letter of recommendation. I'm also going to be visiting Cornell next week, and I figured my mom and I could make the drive to Harvard and visit. </p>
<p>For the questions now. What else can I do to maximize my chances of being accepted? Is there any additional stuff I should send in? Where should I send in my letter of interest and the letter of rec (I tried the e-mail on the website, but I only got back an automated response that had nothing to do with my e-mail)? Lastly, during my visit there, should I try to spend the night with a student or speak directly to an admissions officer?</p>
<p>I know this was a long read, but if any of you have any insights into what the best course of action for me is, please let me know. I can post my stats and ec's if that would help, just let me know. Thanks.</p>
<p>Oh, and if any of you would care to read over my letter of interest i'll PM it to you.</p>