No likely letters from top universities; RD chances?

Applying to College
1

Hey guys,

I applied to a total of 3 ivies, and haven’t gotten a likely letter from any of them yet.
I know what most people reply to these kinds of questions; they often would say that only a small percentage of students get informed through likely letters.
However, the fact that I received 0 when I had a chance of receiving 3 makes me a little frightened for tomorrow.
Is there any CCers that didn’t receive any likely letters from top universities but still got accepted to them RD?

Thank you so much.

2

I’m pretty sure that around ~95% of candidates that get into an Ivy don’t get a likely letter, even if they apply to multiple ones.

Just relax. It’s just an admissions decision. It won’t ruin your life if you get rejections. You’ve already probably gotten into other great schools!

3

@akacesfan Thanks, I appreciate that a lot. But the truth is that I’m betting everything on the Ivies right now… Hopefully tomorrow turns out happy for me.

4

More like 99 pct of accepted students don’t get likely letters. Unless you are a recruited athlete it is meaningless that you didn’t get one. It is presumptuous to expect one.

5

@brownparent 99%, wow. That really makes me hopeful for tomorrow. Thank you.

6

I’m pretty sure more than just 1% got likely letters. I do not know which Ivys you applied to, but there were several that released a lot of likely letters to URM, women engineers, Athletes, top academic applicants, and possible donors.

None of this matters since admission decisions are tomorrow and you will find out. Good luck!

7

The fact that you rec’d no likely letters shouldn’t scare you. The realization that you applied to colleges with single digit admissions should have terrified you. Your fear is misplaced. Your blood should have turned cold right as you hit the “submit” button to those 3 schools. I wish people would stop obsessing over Likely Letters—they have taken on a life of their own. It’s almost like the Golden Globe awards, before the Oscars.

8

@T26e4 I applied to single digit colleges [in the US]. Trust me, I’m not dumb enough to only apply to Ivies. I applied to matches/safeties all around the world.

9

“I’m not dumb enough to only apply to Ivies.” Of course not, but to be fair, you did say above “the truth is that I’m betting everything on the Ivies right now.”

If you are in at some good matches that you like, you are already sitting in a great spot. And an Ivy admit would be the icing on the cake. Good luck today!

10

@midwestdad3 My bad, I am actually NOT betting everything on the Ivies.

11

It sounds like you’ve got it covered, but I really do hope you hear some good news later!

12

@midwestdad3 Thanks! You too! :slight_smile: