<p>So, have any of you experienced this:</p>
<p>I didn't get this kind of treatment when I was applying to colleges years ago :)</p>
<p>My son got a decal from Brandeis.</p>
<p>I got decals from everywhere and a Care Package from RPI. </p>
<p>My letter from Northeastern was colorful and encouraged me to attend NEU on the OUTSIDE of the envelope. </p>
<p>I think every novelty they can use, they do, I just wish they would give me a few thousand bucks to encourage me, that would do it, not a cap and a sticker.</p>
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<p>"What about rejection letters? Other than softening the language a few years ago, at Trinity theyre "pretty much the same," Free said. We wanted it to be more fun and exciting for them."</p>
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<p>I am pretty sure any rejection is NOT exciting.</p>
<p>Haha, I just got a t-shirt from Purdue this afternoon... and it actually fit!</p>
<p>Son got a decal from the U. of Alabama. When he visited UA the first time, his package included shoelaces and a pencil. The second time, he got a lunchbox and a mug. If he chooses to send in a deposit to the U. of Rochester, he receives a t-shirt.</p>
<p>My D recd a tshirt from a safety. I feel really bad because she wont be going there. On the other hand, she wears the tshirt to school and gymanstics practice, and speaks very highly of the school and recommends it. Her first choice gave her an ice scaper (for her car). Needless to say, I have said, does she really want to go to school someplace cold -- I wwanted warmer.</p>
<p>Brandeis U and American U both gave decals/stickers! </p>
<p>Although I do agree that spicing up the acceptance packages makes it more exciting and memorable for the student, it won't be the thing that changes a student's decision between two school that s/he can't decide which to attend. Students will base their choice on prestige, strength of program, location, merit aid, campus, etc etc.</p>
<p>One point I could make, however, is that little things do add up; if a school makes itself seem friendly and comforting - through little things such as these - this could positively contribute to whether a student will choose to attend the school. </p>
<p>But maybe the purpose of these 'extras' was not to convince a student to attend the school (although the admissions officers certainly wouldn't mind if it had such an effect!) but, like what was mentioned in the article, to instead make the acceptance more exciting and memorable. And I'm glad it works! :D</p>
<p>I have no idea if they still do this or not, but I got a T-Shirt from Oberlin with my acceptance letter.</p>
<p>^ RD or ED? (I'm waiting for my RD letter, lol)</p>
<p>This was RD.</p>
<p>I think the tshirts and decals raise the schools presence. Its somewhat like advertising.</p>
<p>Even back in 2003 DD was sent a coupon to buy a really nice sweatshirt for $5. I think regularly it was closer to 40. It was a great deal. However, they sent a bear wearing the school logo tshirt. Now THAT was cute. And perfect for grad party.</p>
<p>I didn't get anything!</p>
<p>RPI cap and decal ;)</p>
<p>A friend of mine who will attending a small, all-women college received a very nice purse with the school colors in addition to her scholarship/acceptance letter.</p>
<p>futurearchitect, that was a pullout quote stuck at the end of the story. She isn't saying their rejection letters were more fun and exciting. :D</p>
<p>LOL yea! The Northeastern one was so colorful on the envelope.
You know right away you're in since it says "You're a Husky now!"</p>
<p>The most I've ever gotten were stickers from Texas A&M and Georgia Tech, and a decal for my mom's car from University of Miami. Nothing really spectacular yet. Hell, my UT Austin letter didn't even come in a big envelope, just two small ones about my acceptance.</p>
<p>Most schools send these things so you are advertising their school...</p>