<p>Hi, I am a high school student in Illinois and wanted to send an email to a few admissions representatives to ask some questions. Some of the schools I am considering are in IL, and have many regional representatives for IL. For example, University of Chicago <a href="https://collegeadmissions.uchicago.edu/contact/%5B/url%5D">https://collegeadmissions.uchicago.edu/contact/</a> has 8 reps for IL, all who can be contacted through " collegeadmissions [at] uchicago.edu ". Who should I address the email to? It seems a bit impersonal to say "Dear University of Chicago College Admissions". Should I include reasons I am interested in their school as well as my questions, or just keep it short and to the point? Also, should I use a fake name/ initials? I am hesitant to use my real name because it is very uncommon and they would very easily be able to find my personal information if they chose to. Would it be appropriate to use a first name and last initial?</p>
<p>Well, when I’m not sure who exactly will be reading an email I’m sending to a school I tend to write either “Dear sir or ma’am” or “To whom it may concern” - haven’t had anybody have any issues with either of these methods so far.</p>
<p>I would focus on just what your questions are, but if you can slip in that you’re really interested in such-and-such a program at the school or whatever then go for it. No need to give a list though - focus on your reason for contacting them in the first place.</p>
<p>No idea about the name thing though - I’ve always had specific reasons for contacting the schools I’m applying to (updating information etc) so I’ve been sure to include my full name and contact info so they can easily attach my emails to my application. I suppose if you really don’t want them to know who you are (though I can’t understand why them knowing would be a problem - colleges expect people to have questions) you could just sign it with initials or first name and last initial. Not sure about that though - someone else might be more helpful.</p>
<p>What kind of questions are you asking? Unless it’s something along the lines of “how do I account for my drug convictions on the application” there’s no reason not to use your real name. Since they don’t give you a specific name keep it short and sweet and just use a generic “Hello” as your salutation.</p>
<p>I have written so many emails to admissions reps, I kind of hate myself a little haha. I always start with “Good morning!” or “Good afternoon!” depending on the time of day I’m sending. I never use anyone’s name, because I don’t know who’s gonna read it, and I guess it would be awkward if I addressed Susan, and Tom read the email.
And I always leave my name. When I first started emailing them, I would start with “My name is _<em>” and then at the end “Yours sincerely, _</em>”. </p>
<p>I’ve also heard that being nice in your emails might be a plus to your application. I don’t know if it’s true, but it certainly can’t hurt you.</p>
<p>I usually say “To whom it may concern” if I’m dealing with a technical or generic problem (e.g., the admissions website has a glitch). If it’s something personal/to do with my application, then I say “Good morning/afternoon” or “Hello”. If it’s extended correspondence, then I use “Mr. __<strong><em>” or “Ms. _</em></strong>” after I find out the person’s name (usually, the generic admissions[at]collegename[dot]edu address forwards to a specific officer’s address, so you’ll be corresponding with the same person).</p>