<p>“Likely letters” is a fun topic to Google</p>
<p>What are “likely letters” like? -The College Confidential Dean:</p>
<p>Some collegesnot the Iviesput their own spin on the Likely Letter. Their early missives may not address the acceptance issue at all but might, instead, include an invitation to attend a campus event that seems geared to accepted applicants or to join a special (and clearly elite) academic program in the fall. This sort of more obtuse Likely Letter can be heartening but also confusing, leaving students to wonder, Well, am I in or not yet?</p>
<p>You do not have to respond to a Likely Letter unless the letter clearly entreats you to do so. However, if you are excited about the school that has sent it, you certainly should feel free to communicate your joy. Likewise, you do not have to commit to the college until the official reply dateprobably May 1unless you have applied Early Decision.</p>
<p>So the bottom line is this: Id like to like the Likely Letters but they are largely unlikable, and most candidates whom admission officials like are, nonetheless, UNlikely to get them.</p>