Hello Chances Forum Goers,
I have noticed something troubling occurring in many threads within this forum: the use of the word “guaranteed” when pertaining to a particular student’s chances of admission into College XXX. I find this most bothersome when the school being referenced has an admit rate below 10 or 15%. At schools like those, there is NO guarantee of acceptance (unless you have cured cancer), even for straight A students with excellent test scores and great EC’s. There are hundreds of extremely qualified students turned away from these schools every year, and I find it pure lunacy to tell anyone that they are “guaranteed” to get into that school. Am I alone in this? Please respond with thoughts and opinions.
Who’s using the word – middle schoolers, or admissions officers? (To use two possible ends of the spectrum of authority on the issue.) I’d consider the source before accepting advice over the internet anyhow. I posted a plea for help a few days ago and got feedback mostly (solely?) from adults who knew about the subject at hand. That advice I would usually trust. If it’s just some random person chancing others for laughs, probably can’t stop them from using words that make it look like they know more than they actually do.
Some schools, like Temple University, have guaranteed merit aid IF you meet the stated requirements.
Some lower ranked state schools have guaranteed admission IF you meet the stated requirements.
Otherwise using the word guaranteed if not appropriate.