Bkind

Absolutely! I'm not worried about acceptance, per se, @ this particular school rather frustrated by the process I suppose. I am focused on the end goal, which is providing counseling to other veterans, like me, in a time this country desperately needs it. Thanks again for letting me bounce this off you guys. Also, don't forget in this whole process that you are human beings - worthy of respect, full of value, & your aspirations for an advanced degree are to be celebrated (regardless of acceptance,rejection,etc)!

No, I sent him an appropriate email and followed that 1 week later with a voice mail asking to discuss my application materials & how I could strengthen them. It's now 2 weeks after that, and nothing. He communicated with me frequently, often unsolicited from me in regards to my application & continued interest in the program for an entire yearfollowing our meeting in March of '15 (app deadline is March1), until I got the canned email from the department. I wasn't expecting any "special" treatment, but doesn't quite make sense that communication would just stop at this point when I think it would be the most beneficial time - esp given that I was apparently worth the time & effort investment upfront. I have no expectation of being entitled to anything, rather I'm just trying to understand why. I don't think it is unreasonable to be surprised that no further communication would happen given this scenario. I've applied to other programs without any of these issues on either end of the process and it has been typical, a 2wl,3a,1r.

I completely understand the process and thanks for the feedback. I will never think it is ok to handle a potential applicant in that manner. I suppose what really bothered me, perhaps more than not getting accepted or an interview, is the fact that there was no communication to me following his email stating he looked forward to my interview. He is on the admissions committee. If he would have called,emailed, anything and just been honest at any point when it was decided that I'm not a good fit it would have been acceptable. If he overstepped or not, whatever the reason is, I got an automated email from the dept. Secretary stating not admitted. I understand they can treat people however they choose. However, I think it is awful to communicate one thing and then when it turns out differently, not have the decency to discuss it with the candidate. I think it shows exceptionally poor judgment and that little care is taken to really treat applicants like people. It's easy for him to hide behind a title or process, but that doesn't make it right.

They do owe candidates, applicants, and information seekers honesty. I was offered admission while still an undergrad during this meeting with the chair and wasn't able to pursue it only because of an 18 hour course load my final semester. I also recieved an email stating that he was looking forward to my interview after I was able to actually apply and then never even had an interview. Telling someone they are a "good" or "top" candidate isn't the problem here. I was also told that I would have preference of admission as a veteran, and that I would be given full funding when I was able to apply. I didn't even know what that meant at that point in time, so I was given the detailed information at that time as well. There was never any "if you are accepted,if you are a top candidate out of those who apply for the same year, if nothing." It was, thank you for choosing our school, we're fortunate to have you here, & it's disappointing that you can't enroll now.

When meeting with the department chair last year to get information about the program (while finishing undergrad) he said I would be the top candidate, had the most relevant experience possible, and that I could even be admitted as an undergrad, taking a partial course load. I had 18 credit hours & it wasn't possible to apply, so I applied this year for the program, excellent letters of recommendation, & awesome GPA/GRE etc. Then I got a rejection email. Not even invited for an interview. Has anyone ever experienced anything like this before?