Dinged!

Dear Sue:

The Admissions Committee has completed its review of your application for the ****** School of Management and Two-Year Program. Despite your many merits as a candidate, I regret to inform you that we are not able to offer you a place in the entering class.

The Admissions Committee carefully evaluated your application in the following areas: work experience, career plans, academic ability and performance, extracurricular and community involvement, leadership and interpersonal skills. Decisions are based upon a thorough evaluation of your individual strengths and weaknesses, as well as your qualifications relative to all others in our applicant pool. This decision is not a reflection of your personal qualities and achievements or your potential for success in management, but merely a reflection of the limited number of places in the class.

We certainly wish you the best of luck in your future endeavors, and thank you for your interest in the ***** School of Management and Two-Year Program .

Sincerely,

ABC DEF
Assistant Dean, Director of Admissions and Financial Aid


While I expected to not get into this program because it was a VERY long shot, I was still disappointed that I was "Dinged". The number of applications multiplied this year. All from brilliant, super achievers with years and years of experience from across the world. I probably didn't stand a chance. I could have been what they called a "passable" candidate.

Now while I know that I don't match up, I feel better (almost) about the whole situation when I read the letter above. The magic of words rightly put, prevails. While you know its bullshit, you do feel like they are rubbing balm on your wounds by saying that you as good as anyone else. My dad loved the letter so much, he wants to distribute it to all the candidates he rejects at his company.

Keeping my fingers crossed for the others. December 16 is D day for the other Chicago school that I'm rooting for. Another interview invite just trickled in for an ivy league school. I am hopeful again. You better not have taken a break from praying for me.