Would you like very selective colleges to issue early "Likely Rejection" notices?

Applying to College
41

I agree with @mathyone. What everyone would like is earlier decisions. The problem with early rejections only is that as soon as applicants know that those have been released and that they haven’t received one, they become MORE hopeful, which only amplifies the disappointment if the result isn’t good when the final decisions are announced.

As it is, most schools defer the majority of the kids whom they don’t accept in the ED round to RD. And while some kids DO get in this way (DS did), it really prolongs the agony for those who do not, and it makes it difficult for them do move forward with other options.

42

I see it as pointless and a waste of everyone’s energy. You’re insulting the student and making him/her emotionally let go of the school–premature if you do actually accept him/her later. There’s nothing like feeling wanted and it’s hard to shake feeling unwanted.

It’s like someone asked you to the prom and you answered “I probably won’t go with you.” Just freaking say no.

Better to just send an outright rejection letter IMO, the earlier the better.