<p>why even write the letter? just don't go.</p>
<p>IF you wanted to say something (and I wouldn't) you could POLITEY say that the website was unclear about the requirements of its students, and that, if you had known about the church requirements, you most likely would not have applied. And you thank them for there offer of admission.,</p>
<p>There is a way to do it while being polite and respectful.</p>
<p>They should be mad at your for applying to a school you knew so little about....not there fault you didn't do your research</p>
<p>one more thing- I wouldn't want to go to a school that "required" mass either- I think if you are religious and have faith, you would want to go anyway without coercision...that being said, their school, their rules....do some better research next time</p>
<p>I think you are a bit immature and close-minded.</p>
<p>closed minded...how so? that they don't want to be forced to go to church?</p>
<p>
[quote]
"Doesn't the FSM tell you not to be mean?"
[/quote]
</p>
<p>Ah, yes, but just as with other religions, Pastafarians can be hypocrites, and we can live by the phrase, "Do as I say, not as I do."</p>
<p>I agree with citygirlsmom.</p>
<p>Also, though, none of us is stopping you. If you wrote a mean letter, it wouldn't have an impact, and the university most likely wouldn't care (you're just another student to them).</p>
<p>go read a book.</p>
<p>^^^ Agreed.</p>
<p>As an agnostic myself, I would check very carefully into the atmosphere of any religious college I was considering applying to. If you really researched the school, I can't see how you would have missed something like required mass attendence. Sending a letter seems rather juvenile to me.</p>
<p>
[quote]
closed minded...how so? that they don't want to be forced to go to church?
[/quote]
</p>
<p>Thank you for that! Finally... someone who understands where I am coming from! I understand that they are a Catholic college, but they should make it explicitly clear ON THEIR WEBSITE that if you are uncomfortable being forced to partake in another religion on a TRI-weekly basis, then you might want to reconsider applying... instead of sending you their manual after you've already applied and been accepted.</p>
<p>I don't understand how during the research process you never realized the school's strong religious ties. Not the school's fault you don't want to go to mass 3x a week.</p>
<p>Don't write the letter. It's petty and only makes you look bad as a person.</p>
<p>Sillbill, I don't want to say your stupid but you definitely come across as somewhat ignorant. What do you think the point of a religious school is, what is the point of it being catholic? Did you think you would go there and not do anything religious, take religion classes, and attend mass? It escapes me how you applied to a catholic school yet seem appalled at the fact that religious observance on a regular basis is a requirement.</p>
<p>SillBill, what would your Catholic mommy say if she read the letter you're about to write?</p>
<p>Perhaps SillBill's assumption was based on the fact that most Catholic colleges don't require their students to participate in religious services.</p>
<p>Nevertheless, the point about checking out any school with a religious affiliation carefully, particularly smaller schools, is a good one. Many colleges with fundamentalist Christian affiliations, for example, make a variety of demands that might not appeal to non-believers. Specific worship services may be required, rules of behavior may be far more strict than at a secular college, etc.</p>
<p>I see nothing wrong with a polite letter declining admission that mentions a key reason is the requirement to attend specific services, and nicely encouraging the school to make it this practice clear in their literature and website. Before doing so, though, I'd suggest a review of that literature and website to be certain that the requirement really WAS absent. I don't think any college with a religious affiliation needs to put a giant home page warning up that says, "Attention non-observant students! We are a Catholic (or Mormon, Jewish, Christian, etc.) institution, here is what we require of all students...) Will the school change its policy? Probably not, but this kind of feedback can be helpful if the school is either considering policy changes or revising its marketing material. To provide the feedback in a professional and courteous manner is essential, though.</p>
<p>The onus is always on the student to make a reasonable effort to learn about the school. Students who are accepted at Columbia should already know that there is a Core Curriculum before they apply, and not express outrage at specific class requirements when they decline to attend.</p>
<p>I think this is extremely ignorant of you and shows you did not adequetly research your safety school.</p>
<p>In almost any school with a religious affliation, you will have a more conservative campus and some requirements that result from that such as say.. a theology class, strict rules against drinking, community service, or other such requirements. Some schools, especially ones founded on strict catholic principles, -do- require mass because it is a part of the community experience. I venture a guess that the university probably feels that having all students attend mass regularly helps build a more close-knit and moralistic community. </p>
<p>I am certain that they know the effects of their policies and will not change them because of one (or even many) rude letter(s). They don't care that you're an atheist because they're not intolerant of other religions/lack of religion; they're not trying to sell you their religion, and if you had researched the college properly and decided you thought attending mass for four years might just be nice to learn about the religious views of others, then they couldn't care less that you're an atheist. </p>
<p>Please, also be kind and respect their views. I am sure you will find a much more liberal institution where you'll be a better fit, but be tolerant of their way of life too.</p>
<p>Some colleges also have PE requirements and an obligatory swimming tests... </p>
<p>OP: move on, and do not do it. If you need to vent some steam, write the letter, read it outloud to yourself and then rip it into small pieces. You will feel better. If you don't, punch the biggest pillow you can find in your house - it also works. :)</p>
<p>ok this is just stupid for several reasons. 1) you should have done research to see that there were required masses 2) most christian schools are going to have atleast a little bit of religion requirements involved, thats just common sense 3) you are wasting your own time in writing a letter when there is no need to 4) it is basically immature, you're taking a grudge on a college because you didnt look at it closely enough! there are probably a few other reasons too. but seriously, just dont do it. its immature, especially for someone who claims themselves fit for college</p>
<p>lol yeah that does seem awfully immature, lol. i have a suggestion.
WRITE THE LETTER and then email it to yourself.
READ THE LETTER and laugh evilly to yourself.
THEN you DELETE IT!</p>
<p>I DO think there is a benefit to informing a school if you feel they weren't clear in their requirements, if some of the "rules" like attending church in order to stay enrolled</p>
<p>IF the school isn't clear, there is a polite way to let them know...and sometimes that can actually help the institution</p>
<p>I went to a meeting today, and the signage was confusing, and I had wandered around trying to find my group...so I said something, politely...it was frustrating wandering around and made the beginning of the event frustrating and irksome</p>
<p>I do think the OP should have done a bit more research, and I don't think a snarky letter is smart, however, IF the requirements were not easily found, and it took some effort to discover the requirements, then the school should be told...it can actually help them if they choose to pay attention...do they want students who are suprised by the requirements?</p>
<p>"Dear ABC College,</p>
<p>I would like to officially inform you that I will not be accepting your offer of admission. I appreciate the acceptance, but have chosen to attend another school.</p>
<p>While your school has many of the attributes I was looking for in a college, after applying and doing some more research, I learned of the "going to mass" requirement. To be honest, for me, that would be a deal breaker, no matter how amazing your school is.</p>
<p>I only feel its fair to let you know, as I may not be the only applicant not aware of this when they are applying. I did not see the requirement during my research of the school, and am most likely not alone.</p>
<p>Again, I do thank you for your offer of admission. </p>
<p>Sincerely,</p>
<p>Student</p>