Decision Time

Yay! You Got Maill!!!

A quick glance at your mailbox is usually all you need to do to know if you have been accepted, or not. Fat envelopes are cause of joy while skinny ones usually bring sad news or a waitlist notification. If you are an international student, some colleges will choose to send your acceptance package via courier services like Fedex and UPS.

The acceptance package

When you receive your acceptance packages, you have to fill up a form stating whether you will be attending the school or not. You should send it back to the school whether or not you decide to attend. It’s just common courtesy to inform a school if you are not attending so that they will be able to offer your spot to someone else (from the waitlist perhaps).

Most colleges will also require you to send your deposit to secure your place in the freshmen class, if you decide to attend. These deposits can range anywhere from $100 to $500. You will have until May 1, which is the national deadline for responses, to send the deposit and the letter stating your desire to attend.

The rejection letter

On the other hand, a rejection does not mean the end of the world. Before you go fling yourself off the Golden Gate Bridge, remember that competition for admission is intense, and schools simply do not have enough spots to put all the wonderful applicants. It does not reflect inadequacy on your part. After a few weeks at your alma mater, you’d probably forget all about your rejections. 

“Can I appeal?”

Unfortunately, in most cases, the answer is no. Personally I have never met anyone who has successfully appealed their decisions before. However, if you believe that the school is right for you, and you are genuinely shocked at your rejection (perhaps from a safety school), then you may want to consider an appeal. Get your guidance counselor to call the school and advocate on your behalf.

Send in any new information that will help sway their decision. About a week after mailing the admissions office, call the office yourself and make your case. No matter what his reaction, be polite. Ranting and raving from either you or your parents are guaranteed to do no good.