personalized rejection?

[printscreen]

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Interesting!

I just got back this in a rejection letter. Does it mean anything?

Do schools write personalized stuff in their letters? I would think not but the "in particular" is tripping me up.


In particular, your application materials indicated that your credentials are excellent and you are fully qualified for graduate study. However, all available positions have been filled.


I would totally call and find out, and maybe I will. Is it worth talking to the admissions committees after getting a rejection?

 

[thewesternsky]

They probably used this letter for those who made the initial cut (e.g., they did not screen you based on grades, GREs, or lack of research experience). There are often lots of applicants who are qualified but don't get offered admission or interviews. I got a few letters like this my second year applying (8 programs, 2 interviews, no offers). My third time applying, I got offers at 6/9 schools.

Get some more research experience, work on your interview skills, and you might have a good shot next year.

If you want, you could email POI at this school and ask if there's anything you can do to improve your application for next year. I did this at one program, and got an email back from the prof saying that it was just an extremely competitive year and encouraging me to try again. I was accepted by her without an interview the following year. 🙂

 

[printscreen]

Wow- that's great, westernsky. It sounds like you both worked hard and were lucky. 6 out of 9 schools is fantastic.

I would just want to add-- is it weird to email the POI directly and ask if she saw my application/remembered me? Would this be too much work for them? I see that you did this, but I don't exactly feel right about it for some reason...

 

[thewesternsky]

I don't think it's weird. I would ask if she saw your application, and if there's anything you could do to improve for the next round of applications.

The worst that can happen is that she doesn't reply. 🙂