Imogene Posted April 18, 2012 Share Posted April 18, 2012 I think it's time we get the thread going for this, since I've seen lots of mentions of this on various other threads. I want to get in touch with a few programs that didn't accept me, especially two programs that waitlisted me, to find out about whether there were glaring problems, or even just areas to strengthen. The question is: how best to do this? Any advice? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bluebunny Posted April 18, 2012 Share Posted April 18, 2012 Probably the best time to do this would be over the summer, when faculty aren't busy with classes and the incoming class is more or less set. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Galoup11 Posted April 18, 2012 Share Posted April 18, 2012 Early in the process I emailed a few schools pretty soon after getting rejected. 3 of 3 responded: 1 with constructive criticism about my SOP, 1 saying it was just truly a competitive year and there were no recognizable "flaws", and the 3rd went above-and-beyond by calling me and explaining how competitive it was and that I might have gotten in any other year, as well as that they were looking for more MAs than BAs for their grad program. My point being that I think you should certainly go for it as you have pretty much nothing to lose, and just don't necessarily expect a fast response. Especially in your case, where you might very well be re-applying next year, which will be good to mention as they'll recognize your genuine interest and probably be more willing to give feedback. thegarden and ecritdansleau 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Imogene Posted April 20, 2012 Author Share Posted April 20, 2012 Thanks! I just contacted the programs that wait-listed me, as it was easier to respond to communications we'd already exchanged (I'll let you know if I get good feedback!). Right now I'm struggling with how best to contact two other programs that are really top schools, but that I thought I had really good "fits" for -- what do you even put in the subject line of those types of emails? I happen to work in the area of online communications (nonprofit sector), and the topic of subject lines is a perennial issue -- how do you get folks to open the email? I find myself staring at the blank subject line of this email I'm about to send off to the DGS of #1 school in the world and I'm just paralyzed. Anyone have any examples? What has worked? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
butalas Posted April 20, 2012 Share Posted April 20, 2012 I happen to work in the area of online communications (nonprofit sector), and the topic of subject lines is a perennial issue -- how do you get folks to open the email? I find myself staring at the blank subject line of this email I'm about to send off to the DGS of #1 school in the world and I'm just paralyzed. Anyone have any examples? What has worked? I don't purport to by any kind of wizard in this area, although it seems that *almost* all of my emails receive some sort of response. I just e-mailed the cuny grad center for feedback with the subject line "Recent Rejection." I received a response and was told that they would be happy to answer my questions after May 1st (also I directed the email to the wrong person). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jma310 Posted April 20, 2012 Share Posted April 20, 2012 Did anyone successfull contact Rutgers? That was the one place my email went ignored. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Galoup11 Posted April 20, 2012 Share Posted April 20, 2012 I used "English Graduate Application" without much thought... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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