Early Application – Deferred

By Harini Subrahmanyam Fredrickson, Special Correspondent
If you are one of the many students who applied early for admission to your top choice college and were deferred to the regular pool of applicants, don’t despair.  If they did not see merit in your application, you would have been rejected outright.  Now is not the time to wallow in self-pity.  Seize this opportunity to showcase your strength and determination.
Contact the admissions office.  Without whining or complaining, calmly request feedback on your application.  If you are lucky during this busy season, you may be able to talk to your region’s representative who actually read your application.  Graciously accept what they perceive to be shortcomings in your application.  Finally, express your continued interest in attending the school, but only if it is true.
Based on the feedback you receive, you may need to retake the SAT exams.  There’s still time to take the January SAT exam.  Late registration ends on January 7th for the January 22nd test date.  Before you register, double-check that your college will accept the January test results.
Send a short update (one page or less) listing your accomplishments since having submitted your application.  Include your most recent transcript and standardized test scores; any new honors, awards, and activities; and possibly one extra recommendation from someone who can shed new light on your abilities.  If you are serious, reiterate your commitment to attend the college if admitted.
Do what you can now to increase your chances of admission.  There is still time to apply to other colleges.  Visit campuses over break.  Continue to strive for good grades and participate in extracurricular and community service activities.  Colleges want to see an upward trend, not a decline, in your academics and involvement. 
Harini Subrahmanyam Fredrickson is the President of Top Admissions LLC, a college consulting firm located at 195 Nassau Street, Suite 32, Princeton, NJ.  Contact Harini at 609-921-9212 or visit the Top Admissions website at www.topadmissions.com