Do you guys think...

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mintendo

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...it's a good idea to call or email adcoms to ask why you weren't accepted the year before? Do they keep a list of reasons of why they didn't want certain applicants? Do they do this even if you didn't get an interview??? THANKS!!
 
Some schools let you call them. Some specify in the rejection letter that "they would be happy to talk about application weaknesses," and strategies for next year. If you know someone really well on the adcoms he/she may be able to help, too. Good luck!
 
I definitely don't think it hurts to ask them what steps you can take in improving your application. It only shows that you are interested in improving yourself and then if you get an interview the next time around you can tell them the steps you took to improve your application and it will be just what they're looking for.
 
I would do it; why? for two reasons. One is that you took alot of time and money to fill out all their forms, write the essays and whatever. This is a life changing thing you are trying to do. You take is seriously and so should they. If they aren't nice about your asking, then I wouldn't apply to them again. But, you definitely deserve the right to ask what you might have lacked, or they didn't like, etc.

Second, it shows them that you do take this seriously and that you are willing to do whatever it takes to get in somewhere. When I was in eighth grade, I interviewed at alot of private schools for nineth grade admission. The schools who rejected me were very careful to sit down and explain to me what it was that I lacked - it was not having enough math background. Not that I was a terrible applicant or they thought I was a strange kid or whatever my fears might have told me. So, knowing the simple facts can be a great help.
 
I have done it, and it was very helpful to speak w/ the dean (at UConn)...although it didn't get me in this year (yet), but you'll see any "weaknesses" as seen by the committee, and hopefully you'll have a shot to plug those holes! I recommend calling them.

g/l
 
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