QUESTION: What are good signs for students who have applied but haven’t heard back yet?
ANSWER (Trulove):
"Good signs - you probably won’t find many. But you probably won’t find many negative signs either.
So, behind the emerald curtain, the time between application submission and mailing a decision for folks in my role is tricky. I think it’s unfair to give students an impression that they will be accepted or denied. I do, however, think it’s important to talk to all applicant during that time.
This period of time - let’s call it the discernment period - is an important time for prospective students, you, to learn more about your college options.
As a result - you will hear from schools during the evaluation process. This doesn’t mean that you will gain admission. These communications are intended to inform you about the school - to help you make a final decision SHOULD you gain admission."
Well just to add to the discussion, my son received a very formal letter from Reed today specifically mentioning his interest in math, reminding him that at Reed he can dive into his subject but he should remember that he could also explore other subjects. It also mentioned post graduate opportunities. It ended with, "Explore Mathematics, but don’t forget - it’s but one program. Consider all the possibilities that exist at Reed. It was signed by the President and Dean of admissions.
Then there is a glossy brochure like document about the math department.
Either this is a very good sign, or a very cruel joke. Reed is high on his list.
@LKnomad I got that same letter specifically mentioning the program that I applied to (linguistics) but there was no brochure… still, I’m hoping it’s a good sign?
I looked on the Reed 2019 RD discussion and there was a student who received the handwritten postcard who later was wait listed so I don’t believe the postcard means anything. I wish it did. My daughter received one. And I think it is wrong to give that hope to kids they aren’t going to accept.
I’ve also received an envelope from Reed upon returning from work- it was filled with useful information about the majors which I showed interest in. I personally don’t see it as “getting our hopes up”- even the letter. As Milyon suggested, they’re just ways to maintain interest and for the college to continue communicating with us until D-Day.
Our hopes should be in a very comfortable place if we kicked butt on the essay and showed plenty of interest in the college. Not too high, but just in the right margin to hold us off until decisions come out.
@CaliCash I remember you from somewhere, I can’t quite put my finger on it… Either from the UF thread or Reeds last year decision thread. In any case, nice to hear from you again!
It’s a bit of a sad tale- but you asked for it hahaha. Yes, I was accepted to UF Fall 2015, the one and only college I applied to and wanted to attend at the time. An amazing moment it was. Unfortunately it was cut short due to how long immigration was taking to process my case while I was in my former country of residence. Deadlines kept passing, UF went above and beyond to be patient with me but in the end I decided the fairest thing to do was cancel my spot-hopefully cheering up some Waitlisted fellow in the process. The final jab came when I received that lovely and esteemed acceptance letter in the mail two days after I canceled everything. It was a crappy time I won’t lie.
But you know what? I like to think that it opened me up to experience the delights of a new range of colleges. A lot of colleges have gone in and out of my list-it’s hilarious how many- but one remained from the very start. The first, Reed. Though, like I said before, I’m mostly at peace with whatever comes my way April 1st. I’d just really like to be in college this year. That’s the ultimate goal- but being at Reed would be the ultimate delight.
Sorry for the long-ish answer hahahah, I get a lot of messages from UF applicants(especially the new batch) and it warms my heart. Especially when I saw the acceptances of each one of those who messaged me. Awesome moment.
My daughter received the Field Guide… and she is undecided about a major, but leans towards Anthropology. Reed is her first choice. We visited twice and had an interview.
Got it today. So far we have gotten the field guide and the formal letter about the math department and other departments. I cannot imagine sending these items to people who will not be admitted. It just seems silly and wrong so lead on a student who will be rejected. I would take these things as positive signs.
I’ve also received it- funny we got it practically on the same day, huh? It’s really interesting and will make a beautiful addition to my shrin-- err… completely normal and sane collection of Reed paraphernalia.
@CaliCash I’m trying my hardest to not flood this text box with text and you ask a question like THAT? Hahahaha- there’s a sentimental factor to it, I’ll admit. There aren’t a few huge general reasons that I want to attend Reed, instead, it’s more of an amalgam of a lot of very unique and specific points that I’ve gathered(directly and indirectly) by talking to and observing current students, staff and alumni. All of which come together to form a college identity with which I see myself being compatible.
But hey, we’re all here now because Reed means something special to us, aren’t we? One of the most enjoyable things I’ve been doing is contacting current Reedies and asking why they’re there. It still amazes me how the admissions office is so consistent with choosing applicants who fit the college!
