What is a Likely Letter for RD applicants?

<p>Hi everyone! I applied to Dartmouth, and I have followed the recent threads. I read about getting a likely letter, what is that? How does one receive that? Through email, snail mail,etc.? Is that decision final?</p>

<p>Likely letters are along the lines of: “We haven’t made all of our decisions but we wanted you to know that there is no doubt you will be offered admission to Dartmouth. Chill and enjoy your senior year.” </p>

<p>Or, words to that effect. It’s not “binding” on the college, I guess, but I’ve never heard of one not being followed by an acceptance. Heck, it comes from the Dean of Admissions. It’s an advance indication (a few weeks before the letters go out) that you’re in. Most appear to go to recruited athletes and children of alumni. Not all. D was neither of those. Hers came snail mail. It seems as though that’s still the case, since posters on the other thread are reporting letters dated 2/28 arriving some days after that. </p>

<p>It’s about as “non-binding” as an admission letter. From the Dartmouth website:</p>

<p>“Likely letters will have the effect of letters of admission, to be confirmed on the common notification date, subject to revocation only on the same terms as letters of admission.”</p>

<p><a href=“Apply to Dartmouth | Dartmouth Admissions”>Apply to Dartmouth | Dartmouth Admissions;

<p>Hahahaha. We never looked. Just took it at face value. I did tell D not to get arrested until the actual acceptance came (JK), but I guess that would have applied to the formal piece of parchment as well. </p>

<p>Yup, as long as she doesn’t commit a felony or fail a class, she’s good to go. Congrats.</p>