I think you're right!
but let's be realistic, they never will
And even if they did, would you accept going there with no dorms/financial aid guarantees? It's not reasonable
Same. It would mean I might have to hold a job on campus to help my parents out, but I think that would make it all much more satisfying to graduate from a top notch school like Vassar.
My heart goes out to all of the individuals who received incorrect decisions. As one of the 122 students who checked the site, I understand some of the stress the mistake has brought families. Vassar, along with all of those affected by this error, needs to be cautious when dealing with this situation. The ideas presented about how Vassar should make it up to the 76 students should be objectively considered. Admitting the rejected students is an inappropriate response. Simply, those 76 applicants were rejected for a reason. It would be unfair to the entire Vassar community to allow someone to attend simply because they had their feelings hurt. No applicants would be rejected if the selection process was based on emotions. I do feel, however, that the 76 individuals should have their application fee refunded. I wish the best of luck to them and their college selection process.
I understand that many of you are still reeling from this extreme disappointment, and I can't even begin to understand what you're going through, but I don't think Vassar should just accept all of the people who were rejected. First of all, accepting 76 extra people for this round would take away the spots of 76 people in the RD round because, let's face it, Vassar just doesn't have the room to accommodate a 13% increase in class size. It is not an 80,000-student research university, it is a small LAC and the change would undoubtedly be noticeable. Why should 76 people in the RD round lose their spots because of what was probably the screw-up of a single person? It's disappointing, yes, but it would be unfair to continue the disappointment into the RD round because of a mere computer glitch.
Secondly, sorry if this comes off as harsh, because that isn't how I intend it, but would you really want to go to a school you know doesn't actually want you? Would you want to sit there knowing that you were only there because of a mistake? I would think it is ultimately better to go somewhere you are truly accepted, and I am sure you will all be accepted to wonderful schools.
@Metaxa, there is nothing 'ethical' about admitting students out of pity. It's terrible and unfortunate, but letting in students that were rejected for a reason is not fair to students who were admitted on their merits, or to students like me, who actually attend the school.
Wondering about the kid in the article posted earlier on this thread, whose uncle wants to take Vassar to court. Do these students have a valid legal claim that they were "admitted" at one point? Just wondering.
@testobsessed Probably not. Many people are throwing around the fact that it's a "binding" decision, and Vassar has to honor it, but I have to point out that it's really only "binding" for the student. Vassar can rescind anyone at any time, although from what I understand it's quite rare. While this isn't the same as being rescinded, it's the same general idea. Vassar has absolutely no obligation to allow anyone to attend, especially not people who were never actually accepted to begin with.
The fact that so many people are crying lawsuit over this is mind-boggling to me, however. I know it's excruciatingly disappointing, but there was no damage. Like someone said in the comments on that article you mentioned, "only in America" would the first word out of someone's mouth be "sue" over a computer glitch.
While the disappointment and angst felt by these students is understandable at such an emotional time, larspens makes many good points. This unfortunately is not the first time an erroneous acceptance has been sent out by a college. Not understanding the need to be litigenous. Vassar said that they would assist any student who had rescinded their other applications after receiving the erroneous email, with an explanation to the other schools. Yes, it is upsetting, and disappointing, but what damages have occurred? PTSD (Post traumatic sign-on screen disorder)?
I've already left a post earlier mentioning this, but I thought I'd try my hand another time. I'm a senior editor at Vassar College's student newspaper, the Miscellany News, and I was wondering if anyone who received a false acceptance letter would be willing to speak with me over the phone or via Skype. I know that many members of the College community are eager to hear from the applicants about their experience and their thoughts on the situation. Please email me at erlorenzsonn@vassar.edu if you are interested!
It's already Tuesday and I still haven't heard from Vassar through email / phone call, ever since I received President Hill's email. Though I did just send a letter via email stating the possible solutions for recourse. Another alternative would be to offer admission in 2013 instead, should any of us not get into any other colleges / want to defer for a year. That would allow the extra accommodation without affecting the chances of those in the RD pool. The extra one year can be used by Vassar to expand resources to enlarge 2013's enrolment by the same number who accepts.
To those who were affected, will you consider this as a possible option should all other things not go in your favour?
