Inappropriate?

[fortiesgirl]

I applied to University X and received my rejection letter several weeks ago. Yesterday I arrived home to find a rather thick standard-sized envelope from University X. I immediately thought, "what the heck is this, did they revoke their decision? Are they now telling me that I'm on a waiting list or something?" I opened the envelope to find a plea for money. Yes, the school was asking ME for money to support their graduate students! The letter was 1-2 pages long, detailing how the funds would be used, with a cut-off for me to designate how much I would like to donate, starting at $100.

I should state that I have long moved on from the fact that I was not admitted and I have already accepted an offer from another institution, so my disgust is not based on hurt feelings or envy. I felt it was disgraceful that an institution would use my personal file and address to solicit funds, especially when I am not an alumna nor have I been admitted. Should I respond and ask them to remove my name/address from their mailing list? Should I simply ignore it?

[older and wiser]

It's so distasteful that you should tell us all which school had the nerve to do such a thing.

[gomezdm]

It's so distasteful that you should tell us all which school had the nerve to do such a thing.

Seconded.

[feisty]

that's awful. i assume your name found its way onto a very general mailing list via clerical oversight, but still, they should be more careful.

[gimlet]

Write a nasty letter to their development office. They don't deserve ANY sensitivity, political correctness or tact on that one. Unleash your most articulate fiery demons on their sorry asses.

And really... tell us what school would act with so little class! I am so sorry that happened to you.

[misterpat]

I wonder if it was a mistake, like UCSD's recent boner of sending all undergrad applicants "Congratulations!" e-mails, including the 29,000 kids who had been rejected.

Do tell us, though. That's totally shameless.

[thepoorstockinger]

Your name somehow found its way on the Advancement/Alumni Relations/Fundraising/Supporters list. That is crazy tactless.

[TMP]

Wow. Unbelievable. Take it up with your lawyer for violation of the Fourth Amendment

[fortiesgirl]

The letter did not indicate that it was from the Advancement/Alumni Relations/Fundraising/Supporters committee, though I did think of that at first. Thanks to everyone for their suggestions in how to handle this matter. I do intend to write the school a tactful letter and explain what happened with regard to admissions and that they should remove my name from their mailing list.

After much consideration I've decided not to post the name of the institution in a public forum. It could have been an honest mistake. Yeah, I know I'm really giving those tactless and greedy bastards the benefit of the doubt here. I pm-ed those of you who have that option available and who wanted to know the name of the school.

[advice]

I would just ignore it. Throw it away, move on, don't think of it again.

If you get another letter, simply write a polite letter to the graduate secretary explaining that you applied, were denied admission and would appreciate being taken off the mailing list.

They will understand it is a bonehead move . . . probably.

If not, who cares, just move on with your life.

[misterpat]

You should fill an envelope with pennies and mail it to them, along with a copy of your rejection letter.

Also, since the postage might be kind of expensive for such a gag, you should take a lesson from Freakonomics and put the Department's address as the return address as well.

You will be the Queen of Awesome if you do this.

[fortiesgirl]

You should fill an envelope with pennies and mail it to them, along with a copy of your rejection letter.

Also, since the postage might be kind of expensive for such a gag, you should take a lesson from Freakonomics and put the Department's address as the return address as well.

You will be the Queen of Awesome if you do this.

Well, what would that make you for having come up with such an original master plan? You are too much!

[DefinitelyMaybe]

You should fill an envelope with pennies and mail it to them, along with a copy of your rejection letter.

Also, since the postage might be kind of expensive for such a gag, you should take a lesson from Freakonomics and put the Department's address as the return address as well.

You will be the Queen of Awesome if you do this.

That is hilarious!