Cornell Alumni

Colleges and Universities A-Z Cornell University
1

<p>Hey,
I got one of those emails for a Cornell Alumni Contact Meeting, and I had a question. I know a lot of people have already asked. Will it look bad if I don't do it? I feel like I'm going to say something stupid....haha Here's the email:
Hi Michael,</p>

<p>Greetings…I am a Cornellian from the Class of 1993, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences with a major in landscape architecture. I am writing to offer a chance to share my Cornell experiences and/or answer your questions that may help you learn more about Cornell and continue to discover the many opportunities that are waiting for you at Cornell University. For the sixteen years, I have been a CAAAN volunteer meeting many prospective high school applicants. CAAAN is the Cornell Alumni Admissions Ambassador Network, a group of 9,500 proud Cornell alumni who serve as enthusiastic ambassadors to prospective students and families in all 50 states and at least 50 nations across the globe.</p>

<p>I am writing to ask what is a good time to contact you to introduce myself by phone this week. By the end of our phone call, I would like you to consider for us to meet face-to-face before next Wednesday, November 28 for a contact meeting. This is not an interview; so there is no evaluation. However, I am able to write a report to add information that you may not have included in your application. Since, you are applying for early decision, the report is due by Friday, November 30th. The main purpose of the meeting is to allow to learn more about Cornell’s on and off campus academic programs, student life, athletic teams, clubs, work-study and research opportunities and more. </p>

<p>First step is to reply to this e-mail with a time that I can contact you. I am available to speak with you by phone or in person except Thanksgiving Day. I am working on Friday, but I can meet in the evenings at local coffee shops, eateries, book stores, libraries, or similar public establishments.</p>

2

<p>Well, if you don’t do it, the alumna/alumnus will need to say in the report that you declined the meeting. It’s possible that the admissions committee would see that as a lack of interest. (Of course, if you applied ED they should know that you’re interested…)</p>

<p>There’s no reason not to go. It doesn’t matter if you say something stupid, because the interviewer’s opinion of you doesn’t count much in the admissions decision. On the other hand, if you’ve got some new information to pass along (such as a new award, job, activity, or whatever) the report is a way to get it in front of the committee.</p>

<p>It’s also a good chance to ask questions and get a better feel for the school.</p>