So I am waitlisted at College A (my first choice) and in my letter demonstrating continued interest, I slightly shaded another college by saying this
“Right now, I can already go to another college that is both affordable and has its prestige. However, just recently there is some controversial news surrounding it and despite convincing myself I will be okay at insert College B here, my heart still reaches out for insert College A here”
I didn’t mean to state College B’s name, but after sending it, I reread it and realized I had written College B’s name out.
I’m worried College A may think I am being unprofessional and petty for linking college B with what I had said about it (that there is controversial news). But at the same time, I think it isn’t a huge issue (?) because in interviews I have been asked where else I am applying and there was no issue with naming colleges.
I think you are overthinking. But I also think you made a mistake that will not do you any favors. You should be focused on where you plan to deposit, because it’s very difficult to get off of a wait list anyway.
Well, it is what it is. Personally, it’s better than saying my heart still reaches out for insert College B here"
The more problematic sentence if I were an AO is: “I can already go to another college that … has its prestige.” But like I said, at this point, it is what it is.
Regardless, most WL’s are hard to get off of anyway. And the importance of a LOCI at some colleges is debatable. If you get off a WL, great. But in the interim, place a deposit, and love the college that loves you back.
Damned if you do, damned if you don’t. They want you to be honest but how honest do they want you to be? There are subtle ways to say what you want to say, and however you worded it, be proud that you were gutsy enough to speak up.
If you’re talking about the “tempest in a teacup” at HC, I can assure you Smith ( from your past posts) will back up HC’s position (academic freedom and supporting a professor), all day long.
I’m afraid if you mention the word prestige at all (school B), they may think you are a prestige chaser and that’s why you prefer A over B. I don’t think the letter works, but you did your best. And see what happens.