I know that for many schools, actual rejection letters are no longer sent to applicants who see the decision via the online portal. I only assume that Harvard has adopted this option.
It’s not really a big deal whether a letter gets sent or not – I was just curious. Thanks for the clarification!
Non-acceptances do not get letters (at least they didn’t last year) so you’ll have to print the online one if for some odd reason you want to keep it for posterity…
So I just found out about the existence of ‘likely letters.’ Did anyone get one or is it just for regular decision?
Hey. I just wanted to make sure. The portal says awaiting mid year report for everyone right?
@yerin2021 I believe likely letters are only for regular decision. They are way to get students attracted to the college. If you get a likely letter from Harvard, for instance, it gives you more time to begin imagining yourself as a student there. That way, even if you get into other colleges you’ll be more likely to attend Harvard because you would have had more time to think about it and also a likely letter will most likely make you feel that the school really wants you.
@yerin2021 - agree with @chichewaboy re: likely letter (based on comments from other posters - I have no personal experience with LL).
Re: Mid-year - yes - it shows “awaiting”, it is NOT due till Feb 2017.
@chichewaboy @MedSciBud Thank you for your help!
so the 15th is the date for decision release?
Supposed to be 13th
@yerin2021 Likely Letters were used by the Ivies and some other LACs for targeted athlete recruiting. Among the Ivies, they can be issued btn Oct 1 to Mar 15 of any given year. Recently, LLs were used to tap stand out non-athlete RD applicants. There’s been no reported use of a LL sent to a non-athlete applicant in the EA/ED round by the schools that use them. Given the short window and the applicant’s stated preference for the school, it’s redundant.
For further discussion, look here:
http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/yale-university/804816-quick-facts-about-likely-letters.html
@T26E4 It seems like you’re fairly well-versed with stressed-out high school seniors, so do you mind offering some advice as to how we should cool our heads when it comes to college? Or, if I’m thinking about it differently, why we shouldn’t?
I can only try – I must admit my time (many decades ago) was much more stress free. I had been admitted to UMich by October of my Senior year (they had rolling admissions back then) so I realized that I was set up – barring some felony conviction! hahaha Thus, I approached applying to more selective colleges more lightly – knowing that if every one rejected me, I was still bound for a fantastic uni. I ended up applying to several Ivies (not Harvard) and engineering programs. Was accepted by all and chose my 1st choice school, Yale. Had a blast there and now give back by doing interviews and coordinating recruitment work on its behalf.
I can honestly say that having attended a Harvard peer school that as wonderful as it was (I wouldn’t trade it for the world), I look back and don’t think the events that bring me the most joy and satisfaction would have been radically different had I gone to UM or another of the schools. Sure, maybe my major would have been different and my career path altered, but I am who I am despite the school that conferred my Bachelors.
I often surmise that if I could go back in time and impart my 18year old self with 5% of the life’s wisdom I’ve gained since then, I’d be golden. For each of you, high achieving students, it’s 99.999% likely you’ll have wonderful collegiate careers, regardless if it’s Harvard or wherever. Of that, I’m confident.
I guess it’s all about perspective.
Statistically, most of you won’t be Harvard students next Sept. But it’s not the school that makes you; you determine your own path and will re-invent yourself several times too. Are there wonderful things about Harvard? I’m sure. There were wonderful, once-in-a-lifetime events that occurred when I was in New Haven too. But aren’t we really debating first world problems? How many American 17 year olds are looking past the doors of HS with no real futures besides the most mundane? And let’s not talk about the rest of the world where poverty, repression, war and hunger are daily life.
I guess I would plead with each of you to enjoy the time you CURRENTLY have in high school. You’ve worked hard; go out with a bang. Ask the guys/girls you always wanted to. Knock out that 4.0 because you CAN, not because you HAVE TO. Learn for the content, and not for the test. Laugh and enjoy your last hurrah with classmates. Love your sibs and parents deeply. Make for yourself a wonderful summer.
Good luck – not on getting into Harvard – that’ll determine itself. Good luck on becoming the best you can be, regardless of what college you attend!
@T26E4 Wow. That was, well, amazing. I agree that most of us will likely be successful regardless of where we end up attending college – it’s convincing myself to remember that which gets a bit difficult! Thank you, though. Your words are very reassuring 
Anyone know what time they typically release decisions?
I believe it’s 5 PM EST.
Ughh just found out my counselor never sent her recommendation letter until today. But I guess Harvard never told me it was missing so…idk if this will hurt me
@oceancreative - hope it is not held against you. Did you not follow up with your GC earlier?
I’m sure this question has been asked a million times, sorry for the repeat, but when are we expecting the decisions to be release (as in, which date)? Last year it appears the first students were notified on the 10th - should we be expecting a similar timeline this year?
Dec 13th - hopefully 5pm