I read somewhere (maybe in Tufts foruM), that some kids Write LETTERS to colleges saying how much they love the university and how wonderful the university is. Me…i email colleges, but i’ve never thought of literally writing letters praising them…
isnt that kinda suck upish and too extreme?
<p>... because they waitlisted me; I want to get accepted to those schools, so I sent them two teacher recs (letters) and a letter explaining why I should be accepted from the waitlist.</p>
<p>Why is writing a letter sucking up? Isn't there something nice about getting a hardcopy-- a letter specifically typed, printed, put in a nice envelope, addressed, stamped and sent? Isn't it PERHAPS more distinugished and considerate than an e-mail? If you REALLY care about a school, then you SHOW them you care. When people suck-up it means they sincerely want something.</p>
<p>And if you sincerely want to get an acceptance-- then why NOT write a letter? </p>
<p>If you're pressed for time, I can understand e-mailing. But what's wrong with letter-writing? It's not extreme at all.</p>
<p>I did it, plenty of kids do, and my own guidance counselor approved of it.</p>
<p>no, i mean, BEFORE APPLYING</p>
<p>sorry, lol</p>
<p>...noone writes letters before applying...right?</p>
<p>Yeah, I agree, writing letters BEFORE applying is a bit extreme. I can totally understand writing letters AFTER applying (to remind/update the admission people about yourself throughout the months), but even that is probably over-doing it. Writing BEFORE applying is kind of desparate. </p>
<p>So, yes, chanman, I agree with you.</p>
<p>I don't think it's appropriate during the admission process. The adcoms are already stacked with a million sheets of paper, and i don't think they'll appreciate an extra letter. The application itself gives you a chance to explain your passion about that particular school.</p>
<p>However, if waitlisted, writing a letter is strongly recommended. You somehow have to show them your continued interest in the school even in the face of near-rejection.</p>
<p>What if you're REJECTEd. Then is there still a way to get admitted.</p>
<p>This may be a little old-fashioned, but it is considered good manners to write someone on personalized stationery or a note card (handwritten, in ink) if you've enjoyed meeting them at a high school visit or an info session, for example. It usually is much more beneficial if you write to the adcom before you apply; after a denial or WL, it is sometimes moot since your motives are so transparent at that point. The courtesy should have been extended as a matter of etiquette much earlier -- and may have made the difference between acceptance or rejection. It's not sucking up. It's demonstrating decency.</p>
<p>If you are rejected, writing a letter essentially begging adcoms to admit you is not appropriate. It is possible to appeal a college's decision, but that usually takes place if you had a special circumstance that may have caused you to be unnecessarily rejected, or if the admissions office accidentally lost your best letter of recommendation or something like that. An appeal is not a letter whining to be accepted. Talk to your guidance counselor if you have questions.</p>