Hello folks. Today we will be talking about the steps to take when a college reaches out to a student. It’s fairly common for colleges to do this during the evaluation process. It is almost always a good sign, since it reaffirms their interest in you as a candidate. We will discuss how to make the most of the continued interaction.

Additional Information Request

Pro-Tip: Check your application portals once a week to stay updated on the status of your application, and to respond to any time-sensitive requests.

Colleges will reach out for more information either through a format of supplemental essays or simple questionnaires. For example, UCLA may take a talent/skill or academic achievement you mentioned earlier in your application and ask you to share more information about it. Be it on the level of your achievement, depth of participation, or passion for the particular area, they want a more detailed explanation of its impact on you. UCSD may ask about personal circumstances that have significantly impacted your ability to achieve or succeed academically. Then, even follow it up with a question on how your experience has prepared you to overcome personal challenges that may occur as a student at UCSD.

It’s always best to answer these prompts straightforwardly – not storied like personal statements. The first tip we have is to provide updates on engagements outside of class. For example, what have you learned for fun recently? Which organizations have you been a part of, and how has your engagement gone since applying? 

Pro-Tip: Unless told otherwise, do not repeat what you already wrote in your application.

It’s generally good to refrain from putting anything down if there are no updates or developments since applying. But, do not underestimate activities outside of class you’re doing in your free time.

Next, emphasize and elaborate on any significant challenges you encountered in your path to academic success. This can include family circumstances, personal circumstances, and even the learning environment with classes going virtual. Do not be afraid of telling a “sob story.” They want to know what genuinely affected your ability to perform academically. 

Pro-Tip: Follow up your story about obstacles with HOW you overcame it and HOW you are now.

This provides the reader with a sense of security and confidence that you are now ready for their university life. 

Letters of Recommendation

Students need to submit a letter of recommendation when requested for. This gives colleges another point of view about who you are in the classroom and in the school environment. These recommendations usually come from a counselor, teacher, employer, religious official, etc. 

Pro-Tip: Ask someone who’s written one for you before.

Though, you might have to tell them to change the name of what they’re recommending you for.

Pro-Tip: Provide talking points.

This allows for control over what’s written about you.

Change in Application Status

Whether you’re deferred from Early to Regular or you’re waitlisted,