I applied ED to the school of my dreams. I just got notification yesterday that I was deferred. I was told that you are able to send in additional materials for regular decision now but I'm not sure what to send. I want to stand out from the other deferred applicants but I'm not sure what to do in order to increase my chances a bit. Any ideas?

What have you already sent?

Please tell us more about yourself so that we can help you.

I have already sent the application, its supplement, an addition art supplement and teacher and guidance recommendations.

The school that I applied to was Williams College in Massachusetts. It's a top school and wasn't even expecting to be deferred.I was actually happy to hear the news. But the ED acceptance rate in 30%, while the RD acceptance rate is 18%. I know I only have a tiny tiny chance, but hopefully if I add something to my application, I can stand out in some way.

Send a letter about your goals and inspirations. Make them specific to the program you want to attend.

Make SURE to have 2 different people proofread it--people who do NOT use chat speak. Check your spelling, your punctuation, and your homonyms.

I can't tell you how many students who were borderline for admissions blew it by starting their essay with "I've always wanted to go to ur collage". I never read further than that sentence. It didn't matter what the content of that essay was, because I was so put off by the grammar that I didn't bother. If you want to go to college, then make sure you reflect that in a very businesslike letter to them.

Every college has their own "additional materials" that they prefer to be submitted. I would contact the university personally and ask them what materials they prefer. Sometimes things like extra-curricular awards are good, or letters from an employer, or from a supervisor at an organization where you volunteer. Sometimes they want academic awards (National Honor Society, Dean's List, etc).

Sometimes what they really want is to know how serious you are about school.

Your best bet is to contact admissions at the school of your dreams and ask them.

What makes you unique? Not sure... take a poll of your family and friends. Focus on that.

Also, a recommendation letter from an alumni can go a long way. If you do not know anyone who attended, ask around. Maybe a friend's parent or someone your parents work with went there.

My brother goes there now. He is only a freshman but they do have an optional peer recommendation. Do you think it would be good to send a recommendation that he wrote? Idk.

Definitely. That is huge. Did you mention him anywhere in your original application?

Well, in the supplement, they ask if any of your relatives go to Williams College and I put him down. That's about it. But yeah, do you think that is a good idea?

Is he a good student? Has he stayed out of trouble since he got there? If so, then definitely have him write something that illustrates how he feels you would be a good fit for the school. Not a generic recommendation letter, but how he knows what the school values and what the school stands for and how your attendance will enrich the school.

If I'm not mistaken, this is a liberal arts school? They tend to really value the family legacy thing.

And like Synnen said, make sure everything that is sent is proof read by several people.

Yeah it's the #1 liberal arts school in America. :\
It's really hard to get into, that's why I want to do everything I can to increase my chances.
But yeah, he's a really good student.

That's great. Good luck with this and let us know what happens!

Consider joining a civic organization. When I was in High School I was in the Leos Club (teen version of the Lions/Lioness club) and not only did schools recognize it, I was told by one that it was the deciding factor. Bonus - I got to help a lot of people, made some good friends and got to do something good for my community.

Letters from alumni, prominent figures in the field you are going to study or community leaders are always a plus. A letter from a principal is good. A letter from the Superintendent of Schools is better.

It is a good idea to send in supplemental info, and to make it clear that Williams is your first choice - they are inclined to accept people who really want to attend as it improves their "yield," which in turn helps with the US News rankings. When you applied ED you probably didn't have your fall grades yet - if they are good that's a good "excuse" for your follow-up. Or if you are involved in any new extracurriculars that you did not include on your app, or had other accomplishments this fall mention them as well. Are you on a varsity team, and if so did you have a good fall season? Finally - do you know any alums other than your brother - if so perhaps they can write a recommendation letter for you. Bottom line - let them know you're still a great candidate and motivated to attend. Good luck - hope you look good in purple!

Thanks! :] A lot of people have never heard of Williams and I don't know why because its such a great school. I don't know any other alumni from Williams. :\ But I was planning on writing a letter to them saying that if I were to be accepted, I would DEFINITELY go. Lol But, now that I think of it, its going to be pretty difficult writing that letter. :\ do you know how I should go about writing one?

Im in a lot of great clubs that I have been in for all four years. I'm president of the Interact Club at my school which is linked with RYLA. I don't know if you've heard of it or not. I don't know what else to addd. :\

Why don't you post the question on AMHD: Has anyone attended Williams College? It's worth a shot.

BAMF - just curious - what other schools have you applied to?

Im applying to Bates, Bowdoin, Colby, Colgate, Middlebury, Wesleyan, Hamilton, Skidmore and Conn college