legacy rejections

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Sat, 29 Mar 2008 19:18:48 +0000

Actually, dude08, I had tried to dissuade my son from applying. I couldn’t see him at Duke because I did not see a great match between him and Duke’s overall “vibe” or between his academic interests and Duke’s particular strengths. I think the waitlist decision was, in many ways, quite appropriate insofar as it may have reflected the admissions’ people’s perceptions of a lack of fit in an otherwise very strong, interesting candidate.

Never have I thought that being an alum would (or should) entitle my child to admission. I am well-aware of the many complexities of college admissions. Additionally, while I have numerous flaws, feeling “entitled” to pretty much anything is not one of them. I am chuckling, not feeling bitter; despite my very mixed feelings about my own experience at Duke, I’ve not only donated to but also been an alum interviewer for Duke in the past.

Of greatest importance to me, my son is fine with being waitlisted; although he had some interest in Duke, Duke was never his top choice and he is very happy with the several excellent acceptances he’s received elsewhere. I think Duke is a wonderful school, but - like all schools - it has its downside. My propensity to donate had already been shaken by a variety of circumstances; not accepting my son just seems like the icing on the cake.