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Receiving "Honest" Feedback
Started by Sunset Boulevard
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You can ask A for feedback, but many schools will tell you they do or give it. As for institution B, this is totally anecdotal, but two cycles ago a friend of mine was waitlisted and asked to meet with someone from admissions to talk about improving her app for next cycle. They ended up meeting with an admissions dean. Shortly after this meeting, they were accepted of the WL. But this was likely earlier in the cycle than June, just from what they told me.
So that's two very different policies on feedback. Hard to tell where your schools fall. I don't think it would be seen negatively, asking for feedback, but, depending on their policy, they'll just tell you yes or no. Worth an ask in my opinion.
So that's two very different policies on feedback. Hard to tell where your schools fall. I don't think it would be seen negatively, asking for feedback, but, depending on their policy, they'll just tell you yes or no. Worth an ask in my opinion.
Thank you for the response.
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I have not found advice to unaccepted applicants to be specific enough to be helpful. Rejecting the admittedly bland advice and repeating the question is unlikely to result in a more detailed response.
The advice is designed to protect the school. I am told that public schools in states with only one school are different in this regard.
Asking how to edge out the other candidates on the waitlist would have a chilling effect at my school.
The advice is designed to protect the school. I am told that public schools in states with only one school are different in this regard.
Asking how to edge out the other candidates on the waitlist would have a chilling effect at my school.
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Yeah admissions is a seller's market and it isn't of the school's interest to inform waitlisted/rejected applicants on how to address and improve application deficiencies. So vague and general responses are expected.
It's really more about blowback.
"How on earth could you not recognize little Johnny's amazing personality."
"His scores are better than 18 people in the first year class..."
On the next cycle: "He addressed every deficiency that you described last year (and still didn't get in)." We actually had someone get a lawyer for the last one, claiming the advice was a contract.
So could increased transparency in admissions actually be a bad thing since the schools would be more susceptible to blowback and lawsuits?
No good deed goes unpunished.
Just think of the interview outfits they would come up with then! 😀
I thought the general advice for reapplicants was improve on what made you weak last cycle and apply broadly, focusing on schools you did not apply to last cycle. Not turn into a litigious jerk and try to get your way through the courts.
You'd be surprised how often threats are made.
OP, I admire your writing style
