<p>Hi <insert my=“” name=“”>,</insert></p>
<p>Thanks for your email. We do not require spring grades for transfer applicants. We would like your spring term grades after being admitted. I hope that makes sense. </p>
<p>Best,</p>
<p>Callie M. Brown</p>
<p>Funny wording, right? I feel like she probably means “We require spring grades only for admitted students.” Still, from earlier exchanged e-mails, her sentence construction has always been very precise. A small part of me can’t help but wonder if she’s suggesting something. And now, in true internet fashion, I await the replies of “Stop being dumb, you’re reading way too much into this.”</p>
<p>probably reading too much into it. would this person necessarily know your decision? it seems doubtful. strange wording though.</p>
<p>I think she’d know. Her title is “Assistant Director of Admissions,” and she’s in charge of my region.</p>
<p>Rule of thumb: Take your best case scenario, subtract 90% from it and make your decisions accordingly.</p>
<p>Practically speaking, this means always have options available (good options that you can live with) and don’t make decisions based on emotion. </p>
<p>Even if you do get accepted to Chicago, the next hurdle, just as big, may be how to pay for it. </p>
<p>So don’t get too emotionally caught up on this one decision and pursue alternate plans that will also satisfy you down the road.</p>
<p>What makes you think I’m “caught up in my emotions?” Was it the effervescent “A small part of me can’t help but wonder if she’s suggesting something” or the charged diction in “Funny wording, right?” I mean really, I reread what I wrote and it sounds fairly tempered. And I know how I feel; I’m skeptical at any implication whatsoever in her e-mail. I can feel cautiously hopeful without compromising my faculties of reason.</p>
<p>Also, “don’t make decisions based on emotion”–how else would romantic unions begin? I feel like a lot of great art and culture results from emotive decision making. I think that’s a bit absolute.</p>
<p>Augustus1, I think that the very fact that you posted your original question on an internet forum reflects a certain degree of emotional investment in the coming decision. And perhaps this is all very well and good and understandable, but you should, as I mentioned above, always keep several paths open.</p>
<p>Also, I’m really not advising you to lead a life devoid of emotions, but making an observation that maintaining a certain emotional detachment from the decision making process may actually help you decide what you really want. Again, just a general rule of thumb.</p>
<p>Lighten up, everyone. I thought the question was pretty cute. Granted, the Assistant Director of Admissions probably just needed her morning cup of coffee. But the guy can dream, can’t he?</p>