<p>I just got a letter back from a school saying they didn't receive my creative submission for their film program (that I sent in a month ago). It wasn't sent back to me and I know I wrote the right address down because I double checked three times before mailing it. Therefore, I can only assume it got lost somehow. I called the school and talked to someone working at the undergrad office who was clearly a student. I'm overnighting a new submisison tomorrow, but how badly will this damage my chances? Damage control?</p>
<p>I doubt it'll be a big deal. More likely than not it happens frequently, and we'd hope that a college would assume the best about you!</p>
<p>Should I do anything like contact the dean or leave a note on my next submission?</p>
<p>Send it return receipt requested, so you hear back via USPS that they got it and who signed for it.</p>
<p>Yeah, but I want the school to know that I was responsible and sent it in by the admissions deadline.</p>
<p>There's nothing you can do to prove that to them.</p>
<p>Would an attached note hurt?</p>
<p>An attached note never hurts. Submit the stuff with your note. Most times, when stuff gets missing as in this case, it probably got lost somewhere in the office. And obviously, it's not your fault.
If you think you'd feel better, then you lose nothing with an explanation of the circumstances you found yourself in. It may not matter much, but who knows?</p>
<p>I'm supposed to receive a decision by Dec. 15th. Should I be worried?</p>
<p>Three weeks is a long time, I suppose. No worries at all.</p>
<p>Always stick a self-addressed, stamped postcard in with your stuff, and write a note on it that says, "Dear Admissions, Please drop this postcard in the mail upon receipt. Thank you. Sincerely, Applicant."</p>
<p>My son has done this for summer programs as well as college admissions. Only once did a school not return the card. Many of them date-stamped the postcard, as well. If you are sending material to several different places, write yourself a little code in the corner: XYZ univ, etc. Makes you stop sweating, just to know it's all there!</p>
<p>And use Delivery Confirmation with Priority Mail. It can be tracked online and doesn't require a signature at delivery. The signature required for certified mail can actually slow down your package, depending on how the college processes its mail.</p>