Does my highschool have the RIGHT to know about my likely letter?

Colleges & Universities A-Z Harvard University
1

<p>I recently mentioned my Harvard likely letter to my school counselor. Word spread around quickly, and my school's headmaster is requesting a copy of my likely letter to "announce" and keep in our school files. But I feel that I have the right to keep my likely letter private, as it is an understanding between me and Harvard University. I can understand my highschool wanting a copy of an acceptance letter, but I feel that requesting a copy of a likely letter is going too far.</p>

<p>Thank you for your input.</p>

2

<p>No. Your high school isn’t entitled to that. If you want to keep it private, you can. The same is true of your acceptance letter.</p>

3

<p>You’re a mother, I assume? When your son/daughter received acceptance letters, did he/she make copies of them for the school?</p>

4

<p>@DiamondsXXX. NSM is a mom, and also a Harvard alum. I am also (the latter) and I don’t think the school has any right to ask for a copy. You should feel free to give them one if you so desire yourself.</p>

5

<p>No, my kids didn’t have to make copies of their acceptance letters to give to their schools.</p>

6

<p>How do I go about saying “no” to the administration? Why would a school want to keep a file of its students’ college letters?</p>

7

<p>Just say that you would rather not show them the letter. Your principal, in all honesty, is probably just curious and wants one in case anyone doubts him when he repeats the tale. But some schools, like Duke, do send copies of likely letters directly to the Guidance Department of your school.</p>

8

<p>DD had to give a copy of the letter IF she wanted to wear the college sweatshirt instead of the uniform shirt.</p>

9

<p>I don’t think they do. I’d be shocked if they had to really.</p>

10

<p>Diamonds- congratulations on the LL! You might want to write the Headmaster a note, and thank him/her for their interest, but relate that you do not feel comfortable going public with the LL as it is not 100% done deal yet. Surely the school has no right to demand any personal correspondence.</p>

11

<p>A couple years ago the local paper announced that one of the local atheletes had been “accepted” at Harvard apparently as a result of a “likely letter”. It was done in this time frame, i.e. well in advance of the April 1 notification date. That announcement caused some consternation. I would suspect that the principal wants the letter so he can make a similar announcement, which IMHO would be inappropriate.</p>