Grad School Admissions Letter Question

Cluey · #1 07-16-2003, 11:04 PM

I received my official acceptance letter yesterday for the grad program for which I thought I wanted to start this fall. It's different than any other acceptance letter that I have ever received and I was just wondering if it is normal.

So, what do I mean? Everything in the letter dripped with biting criticism. I know that I am just a peon looking for an education and that grad students are a dime a dozen, but is this indicative of most grad programs or did I just select a dud?

I'm completely rethinking whether I want to be in this program.

Any information y'all can share would be most appreciated

kddani · #2 07-16-2003, 11:07 PM

Can you give a little more info about what it said? It's hard to really comment without knowing. Although from what you've said it seems quite strange.... even rejection letters are sugary sweet anymore.

Cluey · #3 07-16-2003, 11:23 PM

Well, they couched all of their comments in the realm of, "this program is meant to help you be the best you can be and these comments are also meant to help you..."

They pointed out some areas of "concern," of which only two hold any validity, but that is neither here nor there. It's just so biting.

They didn't like my selection of references, but the one they had the problem with was my direct supervisor, which they SPECIFICALLY asked to complete a reference.

They thought my speech sucked. My question, though, is if mine sucked, what did the other people in my group get? I was the only one of about 15 possible students to get applause.

According to them, I turned in my portfolio late, though I was specifically told that I had an extension. I even turned in the portfolio before the extension date because I didn't want them to think I was procrastinating to the last minute.

They worry that I can't handle the demands of the program. It's funny, though, because they are so concerned with me that they have signed me up for the hardest selection of courses for first year students.

I know I am overly sensitive, but I am just wondering if this is a normal acceptance letter??

AchtungBaby80 · #4 07-16-2003, 11:25 PM

I've never gotten an acceptance letter from a grad school, but that doesn't sound normal.

They shouldn't criticize...they're the ones who let you in, didn't they??

kddani · #5 07-16-2003, 11:30 PM

What kind of graduate program is it? What subject matter?

It really doesn't sound like a very appropriate letter. If I were you, it would put a REALLY bad taste in my mouth about the school. I would have VERY strong reservations about investing my time and money in such a place.

An acceptance letter should be just that. If they do have concerns, they should personally follow up on them after that- in a separate letter or phone call- something much more personalized. It just reeks of a hostile, cold environment, just going by what youv'e said.

Who sends out the letter? I'd suggest contacting the next higher up. If it's an admissions office, contact the dean of the school with your concerns. If it seems to be through the dean, contact whoever their higher-up is.

AchtungBaby80 · #6 07-16-2003, 11:32 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by kddani
It just reeks of a hostile, cold environment

I'm laughing my head off at what you said, but it's true!

Cluey · #7 07-16-2003, 11:37 PM

The person who sent the letter is actually the director of the program to which I applied. Oh, she'll also be my advisor, if I decide to attend.

The irony of it all is that it is a school counseling program.

(Yes, you may all laugh now!

)

I agree with what you said, Dani. I would never put that in writing to a student. I would probably ask them to make an appointment to see me, so that I could discuss my concerns with them and allow them a chance at rebuttal.

kddani · #8 07-16-2003, 11:41 PM

I am laughing my butt off that it's a counseling program.

But that is seriously no way to run a school or program. You don't seem to have exceptionally thin skin, and you seem rightfully offended by it, so I definately think it's worth bringing up to someone regardless if you attend that program or not. As someone who used to work a lot in admissions, this is NO way to try to get students to come.

I'd be very worried if she were going to be my advisor.... ouch.
Even if it's a good, highly-rated program (which of course I have no clue), you may be better off somewhere else that's a little more encouraging and supportive.

If they're acting like this now trying to get you to come there, what are they going to act like when they have your money and you're already there?????

Cluey · #9 07-16-2003, 11:48 PM

It's not a great program. I could almost accept the criticism if it was from a top school nationally in counseling, but it's not. It's just that they have the monopoly, being the only school in town with a counseling program.

I'm back to thinking about going away to school full time next year for student affairs.

AXO_MOM_3 · #10 07-17-2003, 12:27 AM

What graduate program is it? I got a personal phone call from the head of the department at the Wake school counseling program. The letter was just a formality, but it was very nice! I was so excited when I got it, I was ready to frame it. I would seriously evaluate the program you are applying too. It does not sound like a very effective counseling program if that is how they are starting your acceptance off! PM me if you want more details!

Munchkin03 · #11 07-17-2003, 03:06 PM

Never got an acceptance letter like that. Even my rejection letters were nice--they told me what could be improved, and suggested things (like going to their summer program) that could help me. Like AXO_MOM_3, I was called by each of the programs that accepted me, so the letter was just a formality. This might sound snotty, but if it's not the top, it's not worth it.

SmartBlondeGPhB · #12 07-17-2003, 05:51 PM

My grad school letter was a total formality, and it was a private University. And it was business school, a TOTAL dime a dozen place.

Cluey, a few women in my alumnae chapter are in that field if you want some other opinions. I'm not sure if they have grad degrees or not (I think so).

Cluey · #13 07-17-2003, 11:15 PM

Well, I guess I should give a little more background information on my situation. I work at a high school right now, as a jack of all trades and part time guidance counselor. I love my job, so this seemed like a perfect fit -- I could keep my day job and go to school at night. This way I could have saved up money for two years, so that when I did have to go back to school full-time, I was not completely broke.

Another reason I was looking at even getting my masters there is to improve my GPA. By improving my GPA, I figured I could improve my chances at acceptance into my first choice student affairs program. Now, I am just thinking of torching the idea of improving my GPA and just applying directly to the student affairs masters programs. I know I probably will not get into my first choice, as they only take 15 students in each fall, but I think I should be able to get admitted somewhere. The good news is that I am ready for a change of scenery, so I don't mind moving pretty much anywhere.

One little nugget of information I forgot to mention before, this school is where my mom received not one, but two masters in education. This is just quite odd to me.