MIT "Likely Letter"

Applying to College
1

<p>I received a letter from MIT back in May, which I presume to be a "likely letter". I'll type it:</p>

<p>"Dear -----,</p>

<p>Hello from MIT in beautiful Cambridge, Massachusetts! If you're wondering why MIT is writing to you, it's because from what little we know about you from the ACT PLAN, we think you're the kind of student we'll be looking for next year. In fact one of the reasons we've waited to send you this letter is because we spent some time to see which of the millions of students who took the ACT PLAN are truly an academic match for MIT. I can assure you that you definitely fall into this group! Historically, students who performed as well as you have are significantly more likely than the general applicant pool to be admitted to MIT, if they apply."</p>

<p>yada yada yada (they talk about how MIT is not just about math and science, and what MIT is about etc.)</p>

<p>Continued...</p>

<p>"If the idea of being part of that community puts a smile on your face or makes your heart beat just a little bit faster, I invite you to visit our website (MIT</a> Admissions) and learn more about us. The Admissions Office staff and I can't wait to learn more about you, too.</p>

<p>Congradulations on your ACT PLAN performance, and your success so far in high school! We'll be in touch over the coming months with some helpful information and possible next steps."</p>

<p>They sent me some other things later on, like brochures, pamphlets, posters etc.</p>

<p>Should I be excited about this? Has anyone else received anything like this?</p>

2

<p>Sorry to say, but these type of letters really just aim for people to apply to MIT. I’m almost positive this letter has no direct effect on the likelihood of your admission, but it rather states that you have a better chance than most because your PLAN test scores are generally higher than most.</p>

3

<p>This is not a likely letter. This is just a marketing technique</p>

4

<p>Cool, so what exactly is a likely letter?</p>

5

<p>From what I understand, likely letters are only sent to recruited athletes.</p>

6

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<p>Some schools send academic likely letters.</p>

7

<p>[What</a> are “Likely Letters” Like? - Ask The Dean](<a href=“http://www.collegeconfidential.com/dean/archives/what-are-likely-letters-like.htm]What”>http://www.collegeconfidential.com/dean/archives/what-are-likely-letters-like.htm)</p>

<p>Here ya go :)</p>