<p>I'm just wondering how these things work:</p>
<p>When are they sent out?
What do they say? (Does it read "We hope to offer you admission," or is it more vague: "We've taken an interest in your application.")?
If an applicant receives one, what should his/her next steps be? Email to local rep?
And finally--are there any penalties if an applicant does not respond to his/her likely letter?</p>
<p>Thanks for your help!</p>
<p>if you do a search, this topic will come up many times. they are marketing tools by the admissions office to inform very likely admitees “we’re interested in you and unless you royally screw up, you’ll be offered admission”</p>
<p>It’s mainly to help athletes (who may need to commit to other NCAA schools) hold off and instead, wait for the formal acceptance from the Likely Letter school.</p>
<p>The recipient doesn’t have to do anything.</p>
<p>Also, the vast majority of students DO NOT receive them.</p>
<p>When are they sent out?</p>
<p>Anywhere from two months to two weeks before the official decision notification date.</p>
<p>What do they say? (Does it read “We hope to offer you admission,” or is it more vague: “We’ve taken an interest in your application.”)?</p>
<p>It varies from college to college. Check the individual college forums for postings from previous years.</p>
<p>If an applicant receives one, what should his/her next steps be? Email to local rep?</p>
<p>Do a happy dance and wait for your other decisions.</p>
<p>And finally–are there any penalties if an applicant does not respond to his/her likely letter?</p>
<p>No response is necessary at that time. You only need to respond by May 1st, to either accept or decline the admissions offer.</p>