There is More Than One Way of Getting Into the College of Your Choice

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.

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