<p>Can we discuss likely letters? I know there was a discussion about it last year, but what's the current wisdom?</p>
<p>What does the 'likely letter' mean? Does the applicant have to 'do' anything (besides not flunk and not commit a felony)?</p>
<p>Someone close to me got a phone call, and the caller said a letter will follow, as well as contact by a student.</p>
<p>Sorry to be vague, but we are trying to understand what this signifies.</p>
<p>Thanks for any thoughts on it.</p>
<p>A.M.</p>
<p>AM -- </p>
<p>As I understand it, if it's a genuine likely letter (delivering the straightforward message that "you will receive a formal offer of admission in early April") then it's the real thing: All the applicant has to do is wait for the formal letter and, like any other kid who has been admitted, not let grades fall seriously, get arrested etc. </p>
<p>HYP have typically used likely letters in the past for athletic stars. As I understand it, very few likely letters have gone out to non-athletes. But I have read that, with H & P's elimination of their early plans, HYP (and possibly others) plan to make more use of likely letters/early writes for academically talented (or otherwise talented) kids. Maybe that's what your friend is about to get?</p>
<p>Thanks, wjb, </p>
<p>That pretty much confirms what we thought. I guess we will wait and see what the letter says.</p>
<p>Yale was among his top choices anyway, but the personal phone call was really nice. He has gotten some other letters, but he was impressed that they phoned him directly -- at home on Sunday! (It's amazing the caller got through, with 16-year-old sister dominating the phone.)</p>
<p>It's a good gesture on Yale's part, and at the moment he is thinking Bulldogs. </p>
<p>A.M.</p>
<p>Very exciting, AM. Hope the mail brings good news!</p>
<p>Thank you, wjb. I hope the mail brings good news to all the wonderful young people on cc.</p>
<p>Best Wishes,
A.M.</p>
<p>Me too. I doubt I'll get a likely letter, though.</p>
<p>I got a likely letter in the mail today. I suspect its the same letter your friend will be getting. It basicly says that they want to admit you and that if you keep up your grades etc. that you'll receive a formal letter of admission on March 31.</p>
<p>Boo, I want a letter =P. USPS needs to show me some love.</p>
<p>Yale</a> Daily News - ?Likely letters? part of Yale?s admit strategy
"Likely letters, which are sent to a small proportion of regular decision applicants between January and early March, are intended to alert certain students that they will likely be accepted once late March or early April comes around. College admissions officers listed various strategic reasons for this practice, including increasing the chance that an accepted student will matriculate. Some counselors said the letters appear to target particularly desirable — and courted — categories of applicants, such as ethnic minorities. "</p>
<p>S was shocked to not be admitted to Wesleyan after a likely letter, and then he was number 1 off the wait list. But by then he had already accepted Williams offer, which I think he would have done anyway.</p>
<p>It came as quite a surprise though, especially because the letter mentioned his "alumni" connections, his first cousin.</p>
<p>Don't mean to scare anyone. I am positive that this is quite quite the exception.</p>
<p>If you get a likely letter, can you guys post a brief synopsis of your stats? :) And congrats!!</p>
<p>people are getting likely letters already? i'm soooo jealous!</p>
<p>I got one!! :D</p>
<p>Here are the general stats:</p>
<p>I live in the south, white male.
CR-780
M-770
W-690 (8 essay)</p>
<p>Eight APs- six were 5's, one 4, and one 3</p>
<p>1/345 class rank
4.00 uw, >5.00 w</p>
<p>I've taken classes at UNC-CH and a local community college too on my free time.</p>
<p>I can say without doubt that my recs were phenomenal. I had two very awesome teachers!</p>
<p>Feel free to PM for specifics.</p>
<p>A.M. and anyone else - What other schools did you get likely letters from?</p>
<p>tachyon - I'm curious, how long ago did you submit your application, and did you have an interview?</p>
<p>We slept through 9AM Sunday phone call from admissions officer who just left message to call back on Monday (1/28). My son actually had his interview on Sunday at noon not knowing. He called, got the good word and letter came on Monday (1/28),</p>
<p>For what it's worth he didn't actually file the common app and supplement until very close to deadline (1/1?).</p>
<p>As far as scores- SAT 2400, SAT IIs- 800s, 6 APs- all 5s</p>
<p>Congrats, OneDad. Well, so much for the importance of the interview! ;)</p>
<p>I submitted my main app a long time ago...like October. But I was regular decision. My interview is this Friday.</p>
<p>Oh, SAT2s:
800 Latin
790 Math2
750 Chem</p>
<p>Were you a recruited athlete?</p>