In Japan, you usually go to the college you applied to and look at the posting. The application numbers of those who are admitted get posted on the big board on the notification day. Some people jump with joy, some people crumble with dissapointment and cry… It is dramatic.
If you cannot go to the college, you arrange a telegram or a postcard. Those who are admitted receive the line “The cherry blossom is blossoming.” Those who get rejected receive the line “The cherry blossom petals are falling” Isn’t that so poetic?
Well, those were the days. Maybe it’s just simple e-mail notification these days.