<p>What would an admissions committee say if you sent your essays to the wrong school, and at the end said something to the effect of "... and that is why I would be a strong addition to (wrong school)" ... how would they treat this?</p>
<p>One girl asked that exact question during my visit to Swarthmore. The admissions officer's response was something to the effect of "It is perfectly understandable. Applying to college is hectic. However, we do take that as a sign of disinterest or carelessness." Basically, avoid that situation.</p>
<p>If this truly did happen, I would immediately make a phone call to my contact at the college (after all you can't just bury your head in the sand over a mistake like that, if you really are interested in the school). I would explain what you did, and let the embarrassment flow in a humble and sincere way (after all this is a most horrible but real learning experience). Then, I would gather up all the courage you could muster and ask if there were time to submit an essay in which you could address your terrible mistake, what you have learned from it and how it has grown you as a person, and to reaffirm your genuine interest in their institution. While it may not change the outcome, it will have a cathartic effect.</p>
<p>If it did happen, I would suggest writing a letter emphasizing your interest in the school, including aspects of the school that are truly unique- to show that it really IS a school you care about.</p>