Hi, so in November, I unfortunately found out that I got deferred from Harvard.
I was wondering if there was anything I could do to strengthen my application.
I did some research and I’m thinking about sending the Harvard regional representative in my area an email updating him/her about my new accomplishments and reinforcing my interest in Harvard.
Do you think this is a good idea?
Also, does anyone know Harvard’s regional representative for New Jersey?
Before writing an update letter, you need to understand why you were deferred. Are you in the top 1% to 2% of your graduating class? Did you have straights A’s with a rigorous course schedule? Or, did you have a smattering of B’s? Were other student’s at your high school rated by your GC as having a more rigorous program? Were your test scores too low? Did your essays not portray you in the best light? Did your recommendation writers not sufficiently praise your scholastic abilities? Were there questions about your character, integrity, stamina, or drive? Did your application on paper look too similar to hundreds of other students? I would talk to your GC about making an inquiry on your behalf:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/kat-cohen/the-truth-about-getting-d_b_2395749.html
While admissions officers are often reluctant to tell an applicant why they were deferred, they are more willing to open up to GC’s about specifics. I’ve never known an applicant to get a straight forward answer if they call Admissions directly, but I have known GC’s who are able to nail down an answer. Much, I imagine, depends upon your GC’s relationship with the AO and your high school’s history with the college. Your GC should know the name and contact info of your high school’s regional representative. If they don’t know, that’s a telling sign. Unless you can address the reason(s) why you were deferred, you’re just grasping at straws.
@gibby
I don’t think the information you just stated will be relevant to a majority of applicants. I was deferred early, but my guidance counselor didn’t even know she could call the admissions office until I told her.
@citygirl1997
It doesn’t hurt to ask your GC to call, but if you don’t go to a prestigious high school expect to not get a clear answer about why you were deferred. IMO if you have something significant to tell Harvard then send them an update. Or tell them why Harvard if you didn’t in your essay. Don’t waste their time, but calling admissions with your GC can be a good sign of interest.
@nandroida Thanks for your help! Also, should I send them the update through email and should I send it to the Harvard regional representative?
@nandroida Thanks for your help! Also, should I send them the update through email and should I send it to the Harvard regional representative?
There is an upload tool on the applicant status screen. Scroll down to the bottom area and you will find instructions there. Glad to help!
@citygirl1997, You stepped around gibby’s detailed and informed response and thanked nandroida for his help. Gibby’s more than 6500 posts are based on significant knowledge of the application process, formed I imagine in the process of her children applying to and attending Yale and Harvard.
That’s how to play the percentages, kid 
@gibby Thank you for your help! I greatly appreciate it!
@IxnayBob Sorry, I completely forgot. Thank you also!
Gibby is a him not a her.
If you are a legitimate applicant (absolutely no offense intended!) by the type of criteria Gibby referenced, I would suggest you give it everything you have.
A letter to your admissions officer expressing that you are still very interested in attending and why. Updating them on awards and accomplishments, and anything that portrays you in a positive light. You have to advocate for yourself (intelligently). If this is what you want you don’t want to regret not making your best effort.
I want to say that I knew that, and maybe I did in the deep recesses of my mind. I plead guilty to a senior moment.
@gibby, my apologies. Fwiw, I remember the important points you have made on the site. Gender? Meh, not my strong suit 
@IxnayBob: Not an issue. When posters refer to me as her, I don’t bother correcting anyone, as it really doesn’t matter.