How would you prefer to be rejected?

[was1984]

I don't care. Just tell me.

[psycholinguist]

Before I received my first rejection (yesterday), I didn't think I would have a preference. However, I do: for being notified by mail. Throwing a letter into the recycling-bin is satisfying, whereas deleting an email feels like denial.

"We regret to inform you that we are unable to approve your application for our doctoral program. As your application was a strong one, however, we have forwarded it to the admissions committee of #1SchoolInCountry on your behalf, where you have been accepted with full funding and PrestigiousFellowship. Additionally, Dr. S/He'sAPerfectFitForYou has made plans to move from our program to that of #1School for the upcoming fall semester and will be taking you on as his student. Please find enclosed the acceptance letter from #1School. We wish you all the best in your endeavors there."

* laughs *