What does a Rejection Letter Look Like?

im_blue
Mon, 24 Jan 2005 16:36:04 +0000

Rejection letter from MIT in 2000:
Dear (First Name):

The Admissions Committee has completed its review of our applications, and I am sorry to tell you that we are unable to offer you admission to MIT.

Please understand that this is in no way a judgment of you as a student or as a person since our decision has more to do with the applicant pool than anything else. This year we had over 10,600 candidates - a record high - for just 1,600 offers of admissions from which will come our 1,020 freshmen. Our applicant pool is more self-selected than most with a very high percentage of top students, virtually all of whom have distinction in demanding academic programs as well as outstanding achievement in their lives outside of the classroom. Despite what you might think, the admissions process is not an exact science. We evaluate each applicant’s materials carefully and select those we judge to be best matched for our community. Remember that most of our applicants, who like you are among the best in the world, are not admitted because we simply do not have enough space in our entering class. Since all of our decisions are made at one time and all available spaces have been committed, all decisions are final.

I am very sorry to bring you such disappointing news when you have worked so hard. You are a terrific student, and I do wish you the very best as you continue your education.

Sincerely,
Marilee Jones
Dean of Admissions