<p>I just finished my letter, but I thought it talked more about my accomplishments, rather than a Why <insert school="">.</insert></p>
<p>Should I be focusing on why the school is better (not that you can really write a whole page single-spaced about that), of what I've done since my app, or a combination of both?</p>
<p>P.S. Oh, and on showing interest.... how much should you be calling the admissions departments anyway? What exactly are you supposed to say besides the standard things such as "So-andso is a great match, I love the school, yadda"</p>
<p>Your goal with any waitlist material is to make the person reading it "fall in love" with you as a candidate so that they will advocate for you.</p>
<p>Say whatever it takes to stimulate that response, as it is your only goal.</p>
<p>Simply promoting yourself will not work, that could even come off as pretentious.</p>
<p>i am too, im gonna talk about why i think i will utilize all the resources available, and what i want to do, i might mention some research going on im interested in etc... plus bring in new stuff ive done since my app</p>
<p>Anyone have any idea how big one of these letters should be? (no guideline was specified). Also, while I got wait-listed from two places, only one left the option open for sending supplementary materials, such as a letter. Should send one to the other anyway, or does that come across as trying too hard, and more likely to irk the admissions officers who's have to process more material (if at all) that they didn't ask for?</p>
<p>I hope that this isn't digressing too far off the topic, but could someone please let me know if I annul my position on a college waiting list by making the admissions deposit at another college by the May 1st deadline. Since most places process their waiting list after May 1st, does being accepted anywhere effectively nullify any chance of getting accepted into colleges I got wait-listed from?</p>
<p>I hate to answer this way, but I think it's one of those "if you have to ask, you'll never know" type of answers. Only you can know what to put in the letter. In terms of length, keep it brief.</p>
<p>to the OP, before you put a lot of time/effort into the waitlist letter, find out how many people are on the waitlist and how many were taken off it last year. Some schools have a reputation for putting thousands of kids on the waitlist rather than sending out rejection letters.</p>
<p>One other thing (assuming it is true) is that you can put a line in your letter that "school X is my top choice, and if I am accepted off the waitlist I will enroll". Its risky because you might not get financial aid, and you might only hear from them a few weeks before school starts.</p>
<p>I think you should talk about yourself and explain how an aspect of your personality or experiences has highlighted what you want from a college and why x school is your first choice. Your experiences with your winter theatre troupe illuminated your fascination with experimental theatre, but it was the opportunity to work with people you had never met before and help them find their own theatrical voice that helped you see not only why Haverford would be the perfect community for you but why you would be a good candidate for Haverford... etc.</p>
<p>Ok... I must disagree with the "focus" that is being suggested by numerous posters. While you certainly want to talk about any recent accomplishments, ect. That is not the primary purpose of the letter. You want the admissions officer to WANT to admit you. The person reading the letter will be a real human being so try to appeal to their sympathies, ect.</p>
<p>For example, if you were not admitted to any other schools and are depending on a school to take you off the wait list: Tell them that. Does it tell the reader that you are desperate? Yes it does. Is that a bad thing? No it isn't. (Unless you are overly concerned with your own pride).</p>
<p>It will just provide additional motivation to the reader to advocate your case. That is the point of the letter, motivate the reader to advocate your case! Tell how it was your dream to attend university X, how you fell in love with University X, how you are dying to do Y at University X, ect.</p>
<p>
[quote]
For example, if you were not admitted to any other schools and are depending on a school to take you off the wait list: Tell them that. Does it tell the reader that you are desperate? Yes it does. Is that a bad thing? No it isn't.
[/quote]
Sure, tell the adcoms that you planned your college search without a safety. They love to admit kids that botch the planning for important decisions. And they've never heard of community colleges, so they'll really feel the pressure to let you in so you have somewhere to go in the fall.</p>
<p>I somewhat agree with Vericam; this year has been so hard that the usually safeties weren't safeties and talented, high-achieving students have ended up with no acceptances. If that is your situation, why not mention it? If you're in the top 10% with a 3.9 GPA, I highly doubt adcoms will reject you for poorly picking your safeties in a tough admission year.</p>
<p>Colleges want to increase there rate of students that actually attend the school out of those who are accepted so I think telling the school that you will go is one of the most important things you can do. I think it's not about whats in the letter as much as its the fact that you actually took the time to write a letter. It will show that you are interested. It always def helps if you take the time to go to the school and visit the admissions office. That will show them that you are def interested. As as for length I would say probably about 1/2 at most.</p>
<p>I'm having so much trouble writing letters.
Question: Is it just completely unethical to tell more than one school that you would definitely go there if accepted off a wait list, or could you get in trouble for it?</p>
<p>Penoko -- use your own ethical system. There is no consensus on what is and isn't ethical. It's a personal choice. Some Machiavellians think their actions are MOST ethical.</p>