Rejection question

[nuttyt]

I've never applied to a competitive program before and was curious as to what type of information the program provides when rejecting someone.  Do they offer any specifics as to why you have been rejected?  Will they usually provide more info if you reach out to them?

[jmu]

It's going to depend on the program. Below is the rejection email I got from Clark's Geography program -- one of the most competitive in the country.

 

 

Thank you for applying for admission to the Clark University Graduate School of Geography.  We have completed our admissions process in which we gave your application careful scrutiny.  We regret to inform you that we will be unable to offer you admission to our program despite your fine qualifications.

 

The admissions policies of the Graduate School of Geography restrict annual entries to about 10 students, and the School receives far more qualified applicants than it can possibly accept.  As you can imagine, the selection process is a most difficult one, involving a variety of considerations including the balance of students within our various fields of research.

 

We very much hope that you will be able to pursue your graduate studies in geography elsewhere, and we wish you every success.

 

I was able to get more information by contacting the graduate secretary.

[TakeruK]

Usually, a rejection would just be a plain rejection "Unfortunately we are unable to offer you a position....etc." But in many cases, if you follow up and ask for feedback, you might be able to get a little more information. Now (or the summer) is a good time to do it, because the main workload of the admission season is over and people might be more willing to give you feedback. I think some people are afraid of being challenged if they provide more info (I can imagine someone trying to defend themselves if they receive this feedback) so it's possible that they won't be completely forthcoming or be reluctant to share the reasons you weren't accepted. But I think if you ask it properly and make sure it's clear that you just want to improve yourself for future applications then some people might be willing to help you out. 

[Guest |||]

Usually they are short and unsweet

 

Thank you for your interest

 

It was very competitive

 

You didn't make it.

[child of 2]

when is ghost rider 3 coming out?

[Guest |||]

when is ghost rider 3 coming out?

 

For now I'm enjoying my new status of being tax-problem free