I know these rejection letters are all very similar, but I thought Harvard's really was well written, sincere, and showed a lot of class.
Dear Ms. SwineSue,
With sincere regret, I must report that the Committee on Admissions has completed its selection of the class entering in August 2010 and has not been able to offer you a place.
We are grateful to have received applications from so many students like you with excellent intellectual and personal qualities. This year, well over 5000 students applied for the 165 places in the first year class at Harvard Medical School, and we interviewed over 900 candidates. With so many more talented and highly qualified candidates than we could admit, the Committee on Admissions faced a very difficult task.
Although you may be disappointed, my personal wish for you is that you find fulfillment studying medicine at another fine medical school. Perhaps we will have the opportunity to work with you in the future as a resident or fellow.
We thank you for applying to Harvard, and we send you our very best wishes for a successful career.
Sincerely,
Robert J. Mayer, M.D.