I’ve looked around CC and I’ve found some conflicting information. Would it be preferable to send a concise letter detailing my continued interest and explain that Duke is my first choice, along with updated awards and possibly a new letter of rec, or should I essentially write a detailed supplement explaining to my regional admissions officer reasons that they should push for me to get into Duke and how I fit Duke and vice versa.
Would choice 1 or 2 be more preferable?
In my opinion, clearly the former. No eloquent pleas will make much difference at this point (although extensive elaboration of information already fully known by Duke might appear slightly foolish). Yes, Duke wants to know that you still ardently wish to attend, and yes be very enthusiastic; however, your file has been comprehensively reviewed by at least three professionals, and you are absolutely considered FULLY qualified to matriculate. Now (well, really after 1 May), the question is ONLY one of openings in the Class of '19.
I would certainly wait a few days before sending the interest letter. The RD decisions are going out and the Admissions Officers will be busy preparing for the Blue Devil Days. After that settles down, they start looking to the Waitlist.
A hand written letter couldn’t hurt either.
The only information about my Regional Admissions Officer is their Phone/Email. Would an email alone be sufficient, or should I call them as well?
@TopTier Thanks for your input, I looked up some of Duke’s Common Data Sets and their waitlist admission #'s seem to be all over the place. 300 on year yet 100 the next. Hopefully this is a good year for waitlistee’s/
A letter sent to the admissions office c/o your counsellor should be fine (perhaps you can even pay the extra dollar to track it if you want to assure it got there). I don’t know what your high school is like, but some guidance departments have good relationships with the admissions officers and could also try and help you out as well by giving a call to Duke affirming your interest.