What does a Rejection Letter Look Like?

hikkifan
Sun, 23 Jan 2005 15:39:47 +0000

I haven’t seen an actual letter of rejection posted here yet so here’s one from MIT. Well, actually, I only have an acceptance letter from MIT, but I do have a rejection letter from a summer program at MIT, MITE2S, which I speculate is similar to an actual rejection letter.

Dear Ernest:

Thank you so much for applying to the MITE2S Program. You had a strong application. The selection committee has completed the effort of carefully reviewing almost 600 applications to this year’s summer session. Once we made a determination of academic ability, we then sought to determine who will bring to, and benefit the most from MITE2S. Thus, our selection was not solely based on academic achievement, but a host of other factors that are aligned with the program’s objectives.

You should know that having to pick only 72 students out of the number above is very difficult and discouraging for all of us. It is very clear to us that a higher percentage of the applicants could have been accepted into this program if funds were unlimited.

Regrettably, the committee has decided not to admit you for this summer. blah,blah,blah…

we wish you much success in your future academic and personal endeavors.