<p>Looks like the first wave of Early Write acceptance went out, and applicants are starting to receive them (Sat March 3) - including my son! Early writes differ from the standard acceptance letters which go out in the beginning of April. They are sent by many schools to a sub-group of candidate that the admissions committee select for "early woo-ing". In my son's case I presume that was becuase he was his school's Bausch and Lombe Science Award designee - a U of R scholarship.</p>
<p>The acceptance letter, which seems to be personally signed by the dean of admissions, notes that it was a large (record breaking?) highly competitive pool of applicants this year. It noted that there were 14 criteria (unnamed) for evaluation, and applications were reviewed by 5 different reviewers.</p>
<p>They also point out that Newseek has dubbed U of R one of "the new Ivies" - whatever that means. I'm sure they'll be using that in much of their upcoming promotional material.</p>
<p>Anyhow - congrats to early write recipients, and reassurance to those who haven't heard anything yet. It means little. The primary wave of acceptances will go out in about one month.</p>
<p>Here's my guess - the acceptance letters that have been sent out are in response to those who applied early decision; making a committment to attend if they are accepted.</p>
<p>Early write decisions are sent to strong applicants who are "obvious acceptances" who have not committed to attend. The school begins an early marketing strategy of "we want you here" to help sway applicants to their school in a desire to increase the US World and News Report ranking for yield - number of accepteds who go on to actually enroll at the school.</p>
<p>He sent his materials in Dec 29 - there seems to be little rhyme or reason to who gets these based on what I've read on a number of threads from different schools. Good Luck - hang in there!</p>
<p>TheOldProf, your guess would make sense, except for the fact that many RD applicants have also received their acceptance letters. So that's what I meant.. why not just send out acceptance letters to all?</p>
<p>Nevertheless, congratulations to your son! =) Was Rochester one of his top choices?</p>
<p>I know last year Rochester sent out a lot of acceptances throughout March. Of the accepted kids I know, none of them had anything that said Early Write on them; they just received acceptance letters, presumably because Rochester had completed a particular batch of applications. I believe the students with extremely good credentials (i.e. SAT scores above 2300 and grades and ECs to match) received letters somewhat earlier than other students, but I don't know of anyone who had any unusual type of acceptance letter.</p>
<p>Applicants who wanted to be considered for merit scholarships but apply RD had to submit their applications by Dec. 1. My D did so, and received her acceptance letter on Friday 3/2. I would imagine the April date is for those who applied RD w/o consideration for merit.</p>
<p>Acceptance here on Thursday, 3/1. Did apply by 12/1 for scholarship consideration. No mention of that in the acceptance packet. Maybe will come later?</p>
<p>Shennie: Do you know anymore about additional scholarships in addition to the one your son received? No way we can even begin to consider this school without significant aid.</p>