Don’t Panic! You were deferred - not denied.
Of course, it is disappointing when you do not get accepted right away, but colleges will reconsider you during the regular decision cycle. The early admission programs attract the top student sin the country. Sometimes a decision has more to do with the strength of the applicant pool this year or geographical issues, etc.
Call the admission office (speak to an admission counselor) and ask for feedback on your application. (e.g. Was your essay strong enough? Did they feel that your grades or board scores needed improvement? Were your recommendations adequate? Etc.)
Ask what new information or materials the admission staff would like to see for your second review.
Determine the percentage of deferred candidates that are later accepted during the regular decision program. (Some colleges have a high rate of acceptance in this category; others have a very low rate. You need to get a realistic picture of your status.)
Get the name of the admission counselor and write a follow up letter indicating your continued interest, mentioning any new academic or extracurricular experiences you have had since November. Express your appreciation for their feedback, as well.
Provide documentation of new academic or extracurricular ventures. Submit additional writing sample, tape, or piece of artwork, etc. if the college has expressed an interest.
Keep your grades up. Do not drop courses or let things slide. We will be sending second trimester progress reports in early February and final transcripts in June. Grades are still the top factor in college admission.
Make sure you research and review your other college choices, especially your safe schools. Many early decision candidates are surprised to discover what other campuses have to offer, because they have focused too narrowly on one school.
Schedule an appointment with Ms. Riccelli for early - mid January. We will discuss the feedback that you have received from your college and fine-tune any individual strategies, if necessary.
Make sure the Guidance Office secretaries have sent your transcripts and recommendations to other schools on your list.
Remember a deferral is NOT a denial!