4. Ask your high school counselor to go to bat for you with the college, remembering that it is best for you to make the first contact with the college. At the very least, the counselor should call the admissions office on your behalf to confirm that you will attend the school if accepted and that you are a good match for them. Ask him/her to find out where you are on the waitlist, and to get any information about what you can do to enhance your chances of being admitted.
In addition, a letter from the counselor saying these things and extolling your virtues is a great move.
5. Ask someone who is very credible (the principal, a well-known alum of the college, a highly respected teacher or friend) who thinks very highly of you to write a letter of recommendation. An extra letter should be from someone who did not write a previous letter. Unless told otherwise, it never hurts to have a piece of true fan mail arrive at the admissions office.
6. If you and/or your parents know a professor, administrator or alum from the college, see if one might call the admissions office on your behalf. If you have good college contacts, now is the time to use them.
7. If time and finances permit, make a special visit to the college to plead your case face to face. Before you drive/fly/take the train to a college, call the admissions office first to make sure they are open to and would welcome your visit.
8. Be in touch with the admissions office after you send your letter, but don’t be obtrusive. Keep admissions people informed about anything new, including your summer activities. Reiterate your very strong interest in the school. However, don’t go overboard by calling them every week, sending them cookies or other gifts. You don’t want to end up annoying them.
