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Jan 25
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In the early 70’s, I decided that my first choice for higher education was Northeastern University, Boston, MA. The wisdom that went into the decision was 1. My boyfriend went to the University of New Hampshire and was only one hour away, 2. Boston was a happening place, 3. Northeastern had 42,000 full time day students, and I knew that I could get lost in the crowd, 4. Northeastern was a co-op school and I could contribute to my education (next article).
Needless to say, after all of this careful thought, I was devastated when I wasn’t accepted. I wasn’t even wait-listed.
The brilliant idea came to me that I could challenge this denial! This was the days before faxes, overnight mail or e-mail. I asked five people whom I considered important to write letters to Northeastern on my behalf. They were my H.S. principal, my H.S. guidance councilor, my English teacher, my employer, my neighbor, and my Uncle Joe. Of course, I wrote one also.
I received my rejection letter on a Thursday. On Friday I asked the “chosen ones” to send their letters on Monday. Everyone cooperated. I waited until Friday to call the woman in the admissions office that sent me my rejection letter, and asked for a personal interview. Mrs. Admissions was delighted to hear from me. She told me that no one had ever campaigned like this before! All of the letters arrived on the same day! She invited me to a personal interview on Monday. I accepted.
My Dad and I took the journey from NJ to Boston. Upon meeting, Mrs. Admissions glowingly interviewed me. Mostly, she spoke in the first person. “I have never seen anyone campaign like this! The letters I have received speak so highly of you. I know that you would be an asset to the University…” Right on the spot, I was accepted.
The Liberal Arts College was fully enrolled. (I fancied myself a journalist and author.) However, there were openings in the Business College, where I could begin. All of my credits would transfer to the Liberal Arts program, where I could transfer in my second year. Tada! I was in.
I never did transfer to the Liberal Arts College. I stayed in the Business School, which became my passion, and has served me well.
Another avenue for getting in to the school of your choice was traveled by my younger brother Tom. Tom was rejected from Cornell University. Chin-up, he attended Northeastern University with me. Tom hit the books and worked diligently on his grades. Tom was accepted into Cornell University for his sophomore year and graduated from that prestigious institution.
The moral of this story is to “never say never.” Dare to dream. Make that dream come true. Have a campaign on your own behalf. Ask for that interview. Consider acceptance into a different major within your University. Get your grades up, and re-apply to your school of choice and transfer in the second year. Keep smiling.
Donna LaMuraglia
Marketing Team
dlamuraglia@401kid.com Where your dreams are our dreams.
2 Comments | Tags: 401Kid College Savings Blog, College Admissions |Discuss this topics in the forum
27 Apr 2006 - 1:39
I got rehected from the University that i applied and it’s not in my country. I can’t request for interview. Anyway, I wrote a letter already to them. I am in the waiting list. Until now i have no reply yet. I really wish I could get and be as strong as you. I am so upset.
27 Apr 2006 - 6:00
Way to go! See the letter you wrote got you on the waiting list. I suggest you go one step further.
Write a short, 2 or 3 sentance” cover letter which will introduce the the enclosed report. Write a “story” of yourself. Sell yourself. Format this presentation like you would for a major school report. Buy a quality report cover and use first quality paper.
On the cover, place your picture. In the title add your name. Something like “How the University of “X” will Benefit from the acceptance of Jennifer _________”
On the inside, write in a professional manner. Keep it in a journalistic style. In journalism, the first sentance sums up the whole story. Next the story unfolds. A beginning sentance may look something like the following:
I am Jennifer ________________. The University of “X” is clearly my first choice for continuing education. Currently, you have me wait-listed at the University. The following are a list of the significant attributes I bring to the Universit of “X”, my school of choice.
Next list your accomplishments, employment, volunteer activities, clubs joined, your creative prowess, unique skills, athletic teams… Call yourself a “people person”. Be powerful in your sentance structure. Avoid words like might, may, or could. Use a “bullet point” format. Each item on your list is a STATEMENT. Short and sweet. Powerful.
You can sign off with something like the following.
I respectfully request that the University review my application and choose to accept Jennifer ___________ to the freshman to the Class of 2010.
Thanks for writing Jen. Good luck with your acceptance. Remember, there is always next year to re-apply by showing great grades and student involvement during your freshman year in a university elsewhere.
Kind regards,
Donna LaMuraglia