Recommending a friend?

Colleges and Universities A-Z University of Minnesota
1

@transfergopher I have seen that you are a active poster on the UMN twin cities page and that you have a inside scoop on the admissions process. My question for you is that my friend applied to CLA in early November and has yet to hear back… He had a poor start to high school due to family and medical issues, but has done really well his senior year (3.9 UW). My question for you is that as an admitted student to UMN(Carlson) would I be able to help his chances at all by sending admissions an email saying how much he loves the university and that he has really turned a corner academically this year? Or do you think sending a email like that would end up hurting his chances. I just want to help him out and do what I can, but if it will work against him I wont do it. So I was just wondering what your thoughts are on the situation.
Thanks

2

I’m not from UMN but I know something about universities. No, a letter from you will be unlikely to help. A letter from him may help more if he did not express himself fully in the application process. In many instances a letter from another applicant, even if accepted already, would do more harm then good. Consider how it would look to someone on admissions-how it would reflect on him and on you. If it is his first choice school, and if he has not already expressed that, a letter committing to attend if accepted could be helpful if he sends it. But I can’t see any value in a letter from a friend.

3

I had a friend with a 24 ACT, below UMN’s typical range, who applied in August. She had a 4.0 for senior year, but was in all remedial classes. After writing a letter to the admissions committee explaining her situation and that UMN was her top choice, she was accepted in January. I would encourage your friend to write to admissions himself, if he is concerned about getting in.

4

Thanks you two! I didnt think a letter would be much help,but I had to make sure

5

@collegekid2423‌ hopefully your friend submitted a personal statement explaining his poor grades. A letter too either from his high school counsellor or especially from one of his instructors should lend credibility to his representation that things really are different now w/r/t academic performance.

Best of luck to your friend!