I sent in an update letter and had my volunteer director send in an additional rec (as stated previously).
I asked my director, in her letter, to make sure she included Cornell-specific stuff (I gave her all my reasoning for choosing to apply to Cornell). What she included exactly?.... I have no idea! BUT, when I was accepted they mentioned to me how good her letter was so I assume it was specific/persuasive.
In my update letter, I specifically stated that Cornell was at the top of my list. I did try to use some pretty persuasive language to convince them of that.....at the time I thought it was a gamble but it definitely paid off.
I also used very calculated timing. After I sent in my wait confirmation fax the day I was waitlisted, I had my Volunteer Director wait about 2 weeks to send in her letter. I then waited about 3 more weeks to send in my update letter. After that, I waited one full week to contact my application coordinator to confirm receipt of my additional materials.
As the Round 1 deposit date and Round 2 notification date came and went, I contacted my application coordinator again to voice concern over my continued waitlist status. The exact text was:
Greetings XXXX,
I am a Round 1 waitlisted applicant. So far my volunteer director sent in a supplementary recommendation letter and I faxed in an update letter with recent changes in my professional role etc. As the Round 2 decision notification date has come and gone, and I remain on the waitlist, I feel that I need some more insight into my application, and what else I can do to strengthen it. I know that Johnson offers feedback. How can I go about getting the feedback?
Thank you!
Kind regards,
XXXXXXXXXXWithin an hour of sending that email I received a call from Johnson admissions asking me if I was REALLY serious about attending Johnson. I reaffirmed that I was and within a week I was admitted to the program.
I believe the key was not only my persuasive letters but also the calculated communication. They heard from me (on average) once every two weeks from the waitlisted date until getting accepted.
Hope that helps guys!
aakashganga wrote:
Raabend wrote:
As a round 1 waitlister who made it off, I cant stress enough that you need to make them truly believe that Cornell is your first choice. Of course do this without annoying them (i.e. calls and emails every other day is a no no).
Raabend, What exactly you did to make Cornell believe that it is truly your 1st choice apart from sending them an update on why Cornell is best for you? Can you please share?
Great story!!! I'm 90% sure I'll be at DJ; looking forward to meeting up!!!