<p>Hey all you Lucky Likely Letter People!
What exactly does a likely letter say? I am DYING to know!
I didn't get one, but I am very curious as to what one states.
Obviously it will say something like "your application is being rated 'likely'" but what else does it say?</p>
<p>It is one page long, and starts off :
"It gives me great pleasure to tell you that we have completed a preliminary review of your application and are awarding it a "likely" rating.</p>
<p>The admissions terminology used here- "likely"- means that you are "likely" to be admitted to Yale when the full admissions committee formally convenes in December. History suggests that as long as you maintain your present level of performance and there is no change in your record, this is, in fact, what will happen." </p>
<p>The next paragraph truely exemplifies how awesome Yale is, although I don't know if I agree with the letter completely.</p>
<p>"As an accomplished athlete (that is the disagreeable part, I am not sure I deserve that title at all), you will bring special skills to a community that wll value them. We believe that athletics can be an important factor in the development of a whole person. We do not admit "athletes" to Yale any more than we admit "musicians" or "chemists" or "those who have an unusual record of participation in community service." We admit people of promise who have shown the capacity to balance academic life with a serious commitment to excel in extra-curricular pursuits as well-people like you." </p>
<p>That is the main part of the letter. There are few generic statements of encouragement and a signature from the Dean of Admissions. Let me tell you it was quite an honor to recieve such a letter, and it is without a doubt, the most incredible letter I have ever received!!</p>
<p>I have three questions on these likely letters:
1) Were the first of these only received today? Are they all sent out at once, or as the process goes along?<br>
2) Does not having received one imply that one is "unlikely" to get in? Does anyone know what percentage of admitted students receive "likely letters?"<br>
3) How could they be so cruel?</p>
<p>that's so awesome. sigh.</p>
<p>Abeppu, the answer to number 2 is most definitely, "NO." <em>Usually</em> likely letters are only sent out to recruited athletes, from what I understand. I imagine that's not a very large percentage of the admitted students, so most people wouldn't get a likely letter at all.</p>
<p>To expound upon what dtown brought up, colleges usually send these letters out to those people they want to come to Yale the most. This would include not only athletes, but sometimes amazing URMs and people with unusual talents. Basically, the best of the best get these letters, from what I've heard.</p>
<p>i always thought there main purpose was to get real catches (like those noted above) to be like "ooohhh i like (fill in school's name)</p>
<p>i am so jealous it is crazY. but i am really happy for you!!! congrats!!!</p>
<p>thanks i aprreciate it, it came as quite an honor. I don't feel it is fair that I get less of a burden than you guys, just becuase I am an athlete (not a very good one at that! ) I have faith you guys will all get in, best of luck!</p>
<p>Well, seeing how badly the Yale football team did at The Game...looks like they need all the help they can get. (Don't take it the wrong way. I'm not assuming you're bad.) :) Keep hoping and wishing guys!!!</p>
<p>Just to put the 'likely' letters in perspective as far as recruited athletes go, sometimes those who are being recruited outside the Ivies by schools who actually 'sign' athletes within a time period that closes previous to the ED decision time of these schools, a 'likely' letter is the only way the Ivy can show 'good faith' and thus convince an athlete to turn down a sure thing elsewhere. I'm not suggesting that was the situation for panthers7, but it is a scenario that occurs.</p>
<p>Dizzymom.</p>
<p>Considering that we've lost the Game for four years running, I bet it's a great time to be a great athlete applying to Yale.</p>
<p>I really hope to be cheering you on next year, panthers! :)</p>
<p>tallyrand... are you enrolled at yale?</p>
<p>Nope, I HOPE to be there next year...haha...I'm an EA applicant.</p>
<p>I really hope you are too! That will mean 1) we both got in! 2) I am playin!! 3) you have something to cheer about!! haha :)</p>
<p>lol, tallyrand i def. thought you already went there bc you're already referring to yale as 'we'. positive thinking is the way to go.</p>