invitation to apply?

[Benjo]

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Members do not see this ad.

I took the august MCAT and just got an invitation to APPLY to WashU, even though I have never expressed interest at all in their school. Has anyone else gotten this sort of thing from WashU or elsewhere?

 

[efex101]

Yes, I received invitation to apply to various schools. Do not let this be a factor, apply if you really like the school because this invites to apply are also a way of making $$$

 

[HollyJ]

I got a bunch. Don't think they mean anything other than "send us some money." If you do a search, WashU loves to send those out and then reject a whole mess of people presecondary.

 

[Benjo]

thanks--scratch that idea.

 

[TheFlash]

Yeah WashU sent me a brochure after getting my MCAT results. I didn't buy into the hype though, as it seems they do this for quite a lot of people, so it's not like a guaranteed interview or anything like that.

TF

 

[tugbug]

Ditto from me. I recieved the encouraging letter/brochure...only I did go on and complete the app. No interview though to date.

 

[elias514]

Yeah, don't fall for that marketing crap. I got one of those peachy letters in the mail a few months ago. I designated WashU on my AMCAS app ($30), and I paid the secondary app. fee ($60?). And guess what: I haven't heard JACK from them since. Maybe I'll get an interview, maybe I won't. Freakin bastards. I think they send all those stupid letters out just to boost the number of applications--a boost that has a twofold benefit:

1) It increases their selectivity ranking, thereby increasing the prestige of the place. I read somewhere that WashU was desperately trying to dethrone Harvard and take the coveted #1 spot on the USNews rankings.

2) It increases their income for each application cycle. Think about it: 5,000 apps, $60 bucks a pop. That translates into a big chunk of change.

 

[mmz6]

its working...

2 years ago, ranked 4th
last year, ranked 3rd
this year, ranked 2nd...
next year......................


mmz6

 

[Paws]

well, it can't be too clever if we're all seeing right through it - 😀

 

[jlee9531]

Originally posted by Paws
well, it can't be too clever if we're all seeing right through it - 😀

haha its too bad that the number of gullible applicants outnumber the amount of us suspicious applicants here on sdn.

 

[tugbug]

In my defense... Im not completely gullible... I didnt send in apps to any of the other schools that sent "encouragement". Plus, IMO, WashU would be lucky to have me. lol. Appears they dont agree.

 

[Super Rob]

Originally posted by mmz6
its working...

2 years ago, ranked 4th
last year, ranked 3rd
this year, ranked 2nd...

At THIS RATE, in TEN years from now they'll be ranked NEGATIVE NINTH!!!

You cannot blame a school for advertising especially to those who meet the certain cut-off for exam scores. While their method may seem to some a cruel trick to play on unsuspecting applicants, it may be helpful for other applicants who thought they missed the application deadline and really want to attend Washington.

Wouldn't it be cool if every school did this? 🙂