Likely Letters

College Search & Selection
1

<p>Exactly what is a likely letter? New to this site....first child to apply for college so much of the application process, financial aid, etc is so new. Easy when I applied....got in on early admission to my first choice.</p>

<p>Many of what I am ready as likely letters, my daughter has received. My interpretation, just a notice they've recieved application and thank you for your interest. Do they mean more? Is a likely letter in addition?</p>

<p>Thanks so much for assistance!!</p>

2

<p>A likely letter is a letter that comes from a college that a student applied to, 1-2 months before the official decision is released. They are typically reserved for students that the college is really excited about, and are sent out to entice the student to attend the school. Colleges in the Ivy League, for example, are not officially allowed to admit students before late March, so they "cheat" and send out these letters to students they think will get into many great colleges (as well as theirs), with the hope that the student will become more interested in the school. The letters basically state that if the student doesn't get arrested or get straight C's (or a D), he/she is in. Here is the one from Columbia, for example:</p>

<p>
[quote]

Dear DaTurtle,</p>

<p>I am writing to inform you that your application to The Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science at Columbia University has been carefully evaluated and that you have earned designation as a likely candidate for admission. We will be reviewing your mid-year grades, but as long as you maintain your current level of academic progress and good standing, you can expect to receive favorable word when admissions packets are mailed on March 28th.</p>

<p>The Committee on Admissions was deeply impressed with your scholastic and personal achievements, as well as your demonstrated interest in the fields of engineering and applied science. I offer you my sincere congratulations on your accomplishments thus far and eagerly anticipate those that lie ahead.</p>

<p>If we can be of any help to you, please do not hesitate to contact the Admissions Office at <a href="mailto:ugrad-ask@columbia.edu">ugrad-ask@columbia.edu</a> and 212-854-2522. Please save the date for Columbia Engineering Days on Campus on April 20th and 21st, which will include lab visits, faculty lectures, tours of New York City and much more. I hope you can join us, and all of us here wish you the best during the exciting months ahead.</p>

<p>Sincerely yours,</p>

<p>Jessica Marinaccio
Executive Director
Undergraduate Admissions

[/quote]
</p>

3

<p>One of my friends got deferred from Columbia...he was quite sad.</p>

4

<p>Wait.... Does that letter for Columbia really mean that?</p>

5

<p>SigmaCentauri, was he deferred after a likely letter? Or just deferred in general?</p>

6

<p>wait so if you didn’t get a likely letter, u didn’t get in?</p>

7

<p>

</p>

<p>No, likely letters are sent to the very top applicants at selective schools. For example, last year I believe the University of Virginia only sent out a few hundred out of the 18,000+ applications they received. They don’t always state outright that you will gain admission, but that’s basically what they’re implying.</p>

<p>Last year, mine from UVA used phrases like “we’ve taken a look at your application, and your accomplishments, as I’m sure you are aware, are impressive…please take a close look at Virginia, etc…” Those are the approximate words anyway. </p>

<p>Buuttt ya don’t expect one and be glad if it comes your way :)</p>

<p>Good luck everyone!</p>

8

<p>The last few years Brown has sent out somewhere between 50-100 out of 2500 or so accepted-- nothing to be concerned about if you don’t see a likely.</p>