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First, return the reply form no later than April 22. Second, write a letter (or e-mail) emphasizing your interest in Colby. Last, send any new academic information such as updated grades, and any new information about academic or extracurricular accomplishments.
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<p>How to emphasize interest? Colby supplement has a question "Why Colby". What different matter should I put in my interest email?</p>
<p>Colleges love to hear “Colby is my #1 choice, if you admit me, I will come.” BUT, Say it only if you mean it. Have your GC tell them this also, if it’s true.</p>
<p>Mention specific programs/activities at the college you are very interested in, and profs you want to study with. Do your homework on this. Make some calls, talk with profs. Don’t just repeat stuff you found on the website.</p>
<p>Talk about what YOU will contribute to Colby. </p>
<p>While schools generally discourage you from visiting while you are on the waitlist because it can be awkward, call and find out what Colby’s attitude is about visiting again asap. You can always attend a generic tour and info session for juniors somewhat incognito, and you might learn more about the school to beef up your letter. If you visit, make appts with profs in your likely major or interest areas. </p>
<p>You’re welcome! Are you an international student who needs a lot of financial aid? I understand that can be a problem at some colleges. I don’t know if Colby is “need blind” or not. If your financial situation has improved at all so that you need less money than you thought when you applied, do add that to your letter.</p>
<p>Ya I am an international student asking for 85% financial aid. Colby isn’t need blind for international students. Thank you very much for your advice, but my FA need remains the same.</p>
<p>Please be aware that some colleges will be need aware when it comes to the waitlist. Colby is very generous but I do not know how Colby handles their waitlist from a financial aid perspective. It might have said in the letter you received… but you would be smart to also focus on a college that you are accepted and is affordable. Do continue to update Colby. Also know that colleges generally waitlist many more students than they will ever accept.</p>
<p>^^^^momofthreeboys is giving you good advice. Write your letter to Colby, but focus on the colleges that HAVE accepted you and given you the FA you need. Love the colleges that love you! </p>
<p>Waitlists are a big gamble, even if you have done everything possible to be admitted. Getting in off the waitlist is an even bigger gamble if you need financial aid.</p>
<p>“Colleges love to hear “Colby is my #1 choice, if you admit me, I will come.” BUT, Say it only if you mean it. Have your GC tell them this also, if it’s true.”</p>
<p>If you say this, you are also implying that you will go no matter what financial aid package they will give you. So say it only if the price is no object. </p>
<p>I would update Colby ASAP, but think about how to space out your updates. You could send this “why Colby” thing, then later, update with your 3rd quarter grades, then later update with some award you are getting at the end of the year, then, later, have a teacher or coach send an email about you. The idea is to keep you on their radar and keep them knowing you are interested, without being a pest. It is a fine line between showing interest and being a pest.</p>
<p>If you are WL and need FA then I would tell you to forget about it. Most schools will take kids off WL who do not need FA. If finance is not an issue, then I would let them know and send in another packet in few weeks, after the frenzy has died down. The packe could include one or two more LORs, latest transcript, new achievements/awards, and an essay about why Colby is still your first choice. If Colby is indeed your first choice then let them know that you would absolutely attend if a spot is offered to you. Your GC could also call on your behalf to find out why you were WL, so your GC or you coud address any concerns they may have.</p>