Rejection Letters

College Majors Music Major
1

<p>As a relatively new member of CC, if this post is inappropriate or appears to create controversy, my apologies and I will withdraw this request.</p>

<p>My child was accepted to his college of choice yet I know of three students who were not. They are devastated, which I know all students are when they are rejected from their "dream" college, yet for students in the performing arts (i.e. music, dance, theatre), the rejection has broader and deeper implications for them. They have auditioned, whether on an instrument, with their voice, their legs/dancing, their acting, and this is very personal for them and for their families.</p>

<p>I would be interested in receiving copies of redacted rejection letters as I would like to see exactly how these rejections are sent. Do they indicate where the student needs to improve? Do they indicate that they missed certain criteria that, with additional practice, they could achieve in 6 months or a year?</p>

<p>My plan is to craft this information into an article or other <em>piece</em> to address this newfound knowledge that I've gained through this process...that rejections to performing arts students can have an impact far beyond what people may understand. Thanks.</p>

2

<p>I do not believe I am aware of any personalized rejection letters. They are form letters, running along the line of “We are unable to offer you admission. Please don’t take this personally, our applicant pool was very high this year and our openings are limited.”</p>

3

<p>I’d be very surprised if there are rejection letters that give personal feedback. I recall a bit of a controversy about Peabody’s rejection letters a couple of years ago. A few folks actually complained to the school so I hope they took it to heart and changed the language. My sense is that there might not even be concrete reasons why someone was rejected. It is more that others were chosen. I’m not sure that gets my point across and doesn’t make anyone feel better but someone can be rejected without anyone being able to pinpoint a deficit.</p>

4

<p>First, there are rejection threads within the admissions forum every year where passages are quoted. The only artistic rejection within is the link I inserted to the Peabody thread, but for the most part, they are “boilerplate”. Some are well done, others cold, and a few might be deemed heartless. </p>

<p>I have to agree with binx, I have yet to hear of a personalized rejection letter that specifies the reasons.</p>

<p>I’ll give you some past threads from here. There’s a lot of food for thought within these.</p>

<p><a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/488020-peabody-still-waiting.html[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/488020-peabody-still-waiting.html&lt;/a&gt;
<a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/490952-response-peabody-re-letter.html[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/490952-response-peabody-re-letter.html&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

<p><a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/487228-has-anyone-been-rejected-school-but-accepted-music.html?highlight=rejected[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/487228-has-anyone-been-rejected-school-but-accepted-music.html?highlight=rejected&lt;/a&gt;
<a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/696800-hard-lesson-re-auditions.html?highlight=rejected[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/696800-hard-lesson-re-auditions.html?highlight=rejected&lt;/a&gt;
<a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/701454-curtis-rejections.html?highlight=rejected[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/701454-curtis-rejections.html?highlight=rejected&lt;/a&gt;
<a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/656219-northwestern-flute-audition-unfair.html?highlight=rejected[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/656219-northwestern-flute-audition-unfair.html?highlight=rejected&lt;/a&gt;
<a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/656212-mcgill-admissions-school-music-help.html?highlight=rejected[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/656212-mcgill-admissions-school-music-help.html?highlight=rejected&lt;/a&gt;
<a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/642217-declined-conservatories-devestated.html?highlight=rejected[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/642217-declined-conservatories-devestated.html?highlight=rejected&lt;/a&gt;
<a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/565405-only-4-schools-we-nuts.html?highlight=rejected[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/565405-only-4-schools-we-nuts.html?highlight=rejected&lt;/a&gt;
<a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/516132-northwestern-university.html?highlight=rejected[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/516132-northwestern-university.html?highlight=rejected&lt;/a&gt;
<a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/480057-what-do-now.html?highlight=rejected[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/480057-what-do-now.html?highlight=rejected&lt;/a&gt;
<a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/432270-rejection-letter-ccm.html?highlight=rejected[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/432270-rejection-letter-ccm.html?highlight=rejected&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

<p>Some things to remember:</p>

<p>Feedback will typically not be forthcoming. There may be some, there may not be. The response from the Peabody official responsible for penning the linked letter indicated that they would provide feedback if asked to do so. When in doubt, you can ask. You may get a response, you may not. A couple of us “old timers” have kids continually taking pro auditions. It doesn’t get any easier, and feedback there is as arbitrary as it is in audition based programs. There may be some scuttlebut, there may no comment, and on rare occasions the panel members will openly tell you their reasoning. I’ll send you a pm about a recent experience with my son.</p>

<p>Many students simply are at the talent level required of the institution on their disipline.
Many are, and don’t nail the audition for any number of reasons including nerves, a faux pas, an instrument malfunction, illness or countless other reasons.</p>

<p>They may not meet the academic requirements or know the relationship of how a specific institution weighs the realtionship between talent and artistic ability in granting acceptances.</p>

<p>They may have false hopes, invalid or overly optimistic assessment. They may even have none at all. </p>

<p>Rejection is part of becoming a musician. If you cannot deal with it, then you are probably doomed to professional failure down the road. The corollary is a rhetorical point: might it be best to know that your skill sets may not be up to the long term task? Particularly true if the rejections are across what most would consider “easy admits” or “safeties”. I always say that kids going down this path need to go in with eyes open. Please do not take my comment as harsh. It is not meant to be, but a reality double check if you will.</p>

<p>It is important to have reasonable expectations and an idea of your “chances” going in
<a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/458455-how-determine-your-childs-ability.html?highlight=rejected[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/458455-how-determine-your-childs-ability.html?highlight=rejected&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

<p>There are always options
<a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/681468-gap-year-programs.html?highlight=rejected[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/681468-gap-year-programs.html?highlight=rejected&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

<p>And you can always give it your best shot even if you are uncertain.
<a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/232963-need-late-bloomer-encouragement.html[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/232963-need-late-bloomer-encouragement.html&lt;/a&gt;
<a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/586081-need-music-related-grad-school-career-suggestions.html[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/586081-need-music-related-grad-school-career-suggestions.html&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

<p>Note: CC is acting “slow”. This is a truncated version of what I intended to write.</p>

5

<p>And recall the line from The Godfather, Michael to Sonny after the Don is shot: </p>

<p>

</p>

6

<p>And for you gap year folks there’s Godfather III
“just when I thought I was out…they pull me in”</p>

7

<p>Seems to me, you’re hoping the rejection letter would include some form of critical analysis. I doubt this would ever happen. I understand your intent, but imagine if these students were going to a Broadway audition. Would the students get training/critical help from those who decide? Not at all. No matter how personal, that’s not their (critic’s/or adcom’s) role.</p>

8

<p>Here is the entire text of one of the rejection letters my daughter received via email, with names and email addresses removed:</p>

<p>Dear Ms. <bassdaughter>:</bassdaughter></p>

<p>The Double Bass Faculty for <long form=“” of=“” name=“” school=“”> heard your recent audition with great interest. Regrettably, I must inform you that you have not been recommended for enrollment. However, the faculty was particularly impressed by your audition and encourages you to audition again in the future.</long></p>

<p>Should you elect to reapply next year (or later) please be advised that new application forms and supporting documents must be submitted at that time, and all policies set forth by <short form=“” of=“” name=“” school=“”> met at the time you elect to reapply.</short></p>

<p>As a matter of information to you, our school is small in size, and we are only able to accept a limited number of students each year. In a situation where often only one or two applicants are selected for enrollment, it is a very difficult decision to make, as I am sure you are able to imagine; if you wish to contact Mr. <teacher name=“”> for further comments you may send an e-mail to <teacher email=“”>.</teacher></teacher></p>

<p>A hard copy of this message will be mailed to the address above; please note any corrections/changes to that information. I take this opportunity to thank you for your interest in <long form=“” of=“” name=“” school=“”> and wish you much success in your future.</long></p>

<p>Sincerely,</p>

<hr>

<p>I am told that they have two levels of this letter - one with and one without the invitation to audition again in the future.</p>

9

<p>And you know they really didn’t like you if you wake up to find the cracked head joint from your favorite woodwind instrument next to you.</p>

10

<p>My son got ONE personalized rejection letter written by the applied instrument teacher directly. We still have it. It was lovely. Basically, this school had only one opening on DS’s instrument. The applied teacher wrote the letter saying “I wanted to contact you personally before you get the letter from music admissions.” The letter stated that the school had only one opening and that DS had more than fulfilled the requirement for admission, but the school could only offer one spot and that had gone to someone else (this was an OOS public with a great music department…we are guessing it went to an instate applicant who also more than fulfilled the requirements). The applied instructor offered to be of any help he could be for DS…and DS actually took him up on the offer. When DS got all the acceptances (this particular school was the only rejection), he actually sent the list to this teacher asking his advice. They emailed back and forth with ideas and information…and DS DID take this guy’s advice (although I think he was leaning that way anyway…it helped to have it validated by a highly regarded teacher in the field). </p>

<p>I believe this type of personalized letter is not very usual. I should add that this teacher also knew DS’s applied teacher here…and DS had seen him for a sample lesson as well.</p>

11

<p>Thanks for sharing this.</p>

12

<p>This is the type of rejection letter that helps to maintain a young person’s sense of “self” and perhaps some may think that I am a “mamsy-pamsy” parent but you know what…I’d opt for my child to have some guidance in a rejection letter and to be able to maintain that newly-developing sense of self any day. Thanks again for this wonderful input.</p>

13

<p>Just FYI…all of my son’s rejection letters for grad schools were form letters. For professional auditions, it’s a “don’t call us, we’ll call you” format. I hate to say it…but dealing with rejection is an important skill for musicians to cultivate. Their lives are going to be FILLED with auditions…seating auditions for school ensembles and chamber groups, auditions for gigs, auditions for jobs, etc. The reality is…there will likely be MORE rejections than acceptances in the long term. As difficult as it is…sugar coating the rejections does really no good. </p>

<p>The letter my son got was very nice…and very out of the ordinary. But the reality was…it was STILL a rejection. In some ways it was MORE annoying to be rejected when you “more than meet the requirements” than to think you just didn’t make the cut.</p>

14

<p>Consider also simple logistics involved in providing personal letters. For example, I picked up some info on several “arts” schools from the IES National Center for Education Statistics for 2008: </p>

<p>NEC - 1074 applicants, 32% admitted - suggests 730 rejected students
Berklee - 3159 applicants, 44% admitted - 1769 rejected students
North Carolina School for the Arts - 682 applicants, 44% admitted - 382 rejected students
Juilliard - 2138 applicants, 8% admitted - 1967 rejected students</p>

<p>Who would prepare individual letters for rejected students? Faculty has on-going responsibilities in addition to Admission auditions (e.g. lessons/classes, recommendation letters for current students for grad school and/or summer programs, grade reports, ensemble coaching, departmental responsibilities, personal professional appearances, etc.). Admissions staff is often stretched and supplemented by work/study students as is with simple form letters.</p>

<p>I agree that it would be wonderful if every rejection could also become a learning experience with feedback. However, most auditions are not set up to allow for this and don’t have the personnel to make this possible. The best place to get personal attention is lessons with faculty – even then, a teacher may be uncomfortable being as “honest” as necessary with a student when there isn’t an on-going relationship. </p>

<p>I do know of at least one college level auditioned program – NRO (National Repertory Orchestra) that will provide “rejected” students with copies of their audition comments (at least they have in past years). Perhaps that might be useful to some.</p>

15

<p>Just fyi, according to their website, Berklee’s acceptance rate for full-time undergraduate programs is now 35%.</p>

16

<p>As others have pointed out, the application/audition process tends to be pretty cold and impersonal, in a large part because of the number of people applying is so large. The auditions themselves are not perfect, you have basically a short piece of time to do your audition piece, and there is little room for slip ups or failure. A memory slip, nerves, and someone who plays like Heifetz could be rejected from podunk state music college, there is no real redress there, and the process can’t really take into account nerves, a bad violin tuner peg, whatever. Is it perfect? I could give a 10 page post (okay, I hear the groans, I wasn’t planning to actually write one) on what I think is wrong with the audition process, that I don’t think it necessarily measures everything that should be…but it doesn’t matter, it is what it is. And yeah, it hurts, it hurts when someone gets rejected and they thought they had a great interview, it hurts when they go to recitals at the school and see students who by any measure are not playing as well as they do, but that is how it works.</p>

<p>As far as getting feedback, from the music students around my son who in past years or this year applied to music schools, none of them as far as I know give it. Some of them say you can request it, and I suspect almost any school, if you ask, would be willing to give you something (could be dead wrong about that). The only cases where I have seen feedback has been in cases where a student either is studying privately with a teacher at the school or their teacher knows somebody there, then they can and probably usually do get feedback through that channel. </p>

<p>As far as the harm it causes, while as a parent I understand only too well, it is something music students have to get used to, it is the nature of something that is so damn competitive, that has often imperfect evaluation methods, and yes, has its own byzantine politics and such as well, where someone who probably is the best prepared student doesn’t get it, it all happens. Having a thick skin, whether from teachers whose approach to pointing out mistakes can get pretty darn personal (Phillip Glass tells stories of when he studied with Boulanger in Paris, and how he would prepare something for a lesson, and she would spend the next period of time reducing him to something lower then a slime mold…:slight_smile: or to rough auditions, etc, is part of the territory. It is also part of the process, kid does a recital in front of the whole department, and crashes and burns, kid gets reamed out by a conductor, all of those are hard to deal with, or not getting into the summer program he/she wants, etc. Part of the process is learning to accept that it isn’t fair, accepting the realities, and if wanting to find out what the score is, taking an active role in finding out.I tend to agree with others, that while getting a more personal rejection, with reasons why (especially "everyone was really qualified, but we had few slots), is easier, if a student is planning to go into music, and apply to a serious music school, they probably should be prepared already for how rough it is, they should by the time they apply talk to kids who have gone into the programs, they should talk to teachers and the like, so they know what the reality is before going into that path. I know it sounds harsh, but believe me, I have only sympathy for anyone who loves music, and wants to go into it, who truly feels it is for them, because as a parent I already have experienced it with my son many times, and he isn’t even at that point yet. Maybe by being blunt, I can help someone else avoid the pain of rejection when their time comes, a post on CC is a lot easier then real life.</p>