Hi, so I’ve been hearing about how some people have contacted FedEx to see if they have any packages on the way. How does this work?
So basically, you go to the FedEx (or UPS or USPS) website and sign up for this program that notifies you if any packages are being shipped to your address, such as possible acceptance packages. While what I said in the last sentence may seem simple, it’s actually a really involved process as you have to go through and verify lots of information because they can’t have just anyone intercepting notifications about your packages.
This is beneficial as you will get a notification about anything that is shipping to you, such as admissions packages and letters, but it could lead to false positives as it may just be something that you ordered online or the school may not actually be sending an acceptance letter.
Also, some schools use some type of service that does not show up leading to potential unwarranted stress. I had all of them setup and I think in only one or two cases something came through. We did know in advance that something was on its way from lakeville CT (Hotchkiss) but some others we didn’t. This year and for younger DD, she was accepted at a day school and after seeing pics on social media of the Admissions crew at the post office, I was certain she wasn’t getting in as there were no USPS packages. Sure enough, it did arrive the next day and my USPS Informed Delivery had nothing. It is not entirely accurate. I’m with all of you I despise not knowing something I can and this year seems worse with it being on Saturday, but just think you can sleep tonight and then pull an all-nighter tomorrow night!!
Is it possible for you to get a package from FedEx and for it to be a rejection? Or are they always acceptance letters?
Usually sending by FedEx means that it would be shipped overnight or within two business days, therefore it would cost the school a lot of money to send every applicant something sent in such a fashion, so if it is sent via FedEx, it’s most likely going to be an acceptance letter.
But if you don’t receive any notifications, does it automatically mean you’ve been rejected?
No, it could just be that they’re having a delay in shipping them or just aren’t sending them overnight, I recall the tracking only worked for overnight delivery.
This is why I hate the “I’m going to sign up for Fedex notification just so I can know if I’m getting a golden ticket” approach. IMO, causes undue stress. If you had it before all of this, that’s one thing…but why not just let the process unfold?
^^This time of year, everyone goes fed ex happy. (tsk tsk…shaking my head)
Here is my advice; JUST WAIT. The process will unfold exactly as it is supposed to. Knowing “something” ahead of time actually tells you nothing. It could be something, it could be nothing. And finding out “early” does nothing for you. This is not like buying concert tickets where whoever gets in line first wins. Whether you get an answer an few hours early or right on time, the decision is already made.
Do yourself a favor: go outside, take a walk, watch a movie, hang out with friends, practice sport/music/writing/etc… just distract yourself. It makes the waiting go much much faster. Good luck to all.
what about the schools that require you to login to their portal on March 10? do they still send out notification via FedEx
From what I’ve learned, less and less schools are spending money on overnighting packages when electronic notices are cheaper and more efficient. Kids…PLEASE listen to those of us who have been through this before. Stop obsessing over the mail and go do something to pass the time until the schools’ stated notification time. PATIENCE, GRASSHOPPER
I just realized my audience…I’m sure that reference was wasted.
@buuzn03 Not totally. 
@buuzn03 it didn’t go to waste!
Then remember an acceptance at one of these elite ie “Hard to get into” schools isn’t a stamp of validation that you’re smart and kind and nice and deserving. Your parents already gave you that!
@buuzn03 Nope, I got it. Although it took a second or two; from the other thread, I thought of the cocktail first. BTW, does anyone really drink those?
Yeah, I think signing up is a lot of added stress
“PATIENCE, GRASSHOPPER”
I’m old, but I had no idea what this was in reference to - I had to look it up! :))
Wow…I must’ve really shown my age…and @skieurope , I don’t think I’ve had a grasshopper since college…of course, my memory could be failing me…