Hey everybody,
I know it’s quite early in the cycle but what ARE likely letters? I’ve been hearing about them in videos I watch, but didn’t quite catch the memo. Some thoughts on the subject from the experienced CC crew would be lovely.
#1. Your question, as posed, is easily answered via Google
#2. After you review #1, know that the vast majority of accepted applicants will not receive a LL. And unless you’re a recruited athlete, likely letters are limited to RD almost universally.
lovely! i really was just wondering what CC could share on the topic but, yes, I’ll go on and fish for information in a non centralized, stumbling, inaccurate, and inefficient fashion. 
thanks so much for your assistance and sincerity in answering my question
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In addition to LL schools may also provide some “tells”.
Some LACs will invite applicants to targeted on campus events, schools like Notre Dame can invite you to apply based on a review of your application for merit scholarships or Duke and UNC can nominate you as a Robertson semi finalist (Duke also give LL). In all cases it is a pretty good indication of your positive standing.
I am sure different schools handle it differently but may find ways to tip their hand. I wouldn’t expect any of these “signals” and certainly don’t be disappointed if you don’t receive any. Good luck.
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My pleasure
Alternatively, since you attend one of the best boarding schools in the country, you can ask your college counseling office.
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Blockquote you can ask your college counseling office
could totally do that, I hadn’t thought of it. was simply scrolling CC and wondered what perspective the forum could offer me. since it is meant for asking questions, as far as im aware(…?) I’ll definitely continue to think before I send online per the whims of mood or curiosity
Likely letters let applicants know that they will be receiving an acceptance. They are usually given to recruited athletes but some schools have been sending them out, usually in February, for students that they really want.
For the vast majority of applicants, they’ll need to wait until the notification date.
They are nothing more than a letter that some get before the official notification date that they should expect a favorable outcome. My DS got one in mid January, about 2 weeks after submitting the application.
They are letters sent out prior to formal acceptance letters indicating that applicant is likely to be admitted (basically they are admitted). Schools generally reserve them for recruited athletes or specific applicants that fulfill an institutional goal, mission or directive.
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I think they are pretty rare. Not getting one doesn’t mean you won’t get in, of course.
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It isn’t just top 20 colleges that send LL. My daughter got a likely letter from an instate college. She was a regular applicant. It’s a college’s way of trying to capture interest and a bit of loyalty before decisions are released.
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And not all top 20 send LL. And even those that send LL may only target a certain segment of applicants.
Bottom line, if you get one, great. But don’t spend your days refreshing your email to see if one arrives.
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