Thursday, May 31, 2012

So the answer is no. Can you do anything about it?


Didn't get the answer you wanted?

Everytime I read about some high-profile lawsuit the article always ends with one party expecting to appeal. It's understandable to be disappointed when we don't get what we want, and sometimes there is something we can do about it. Poor customer service? Sure, write an email or talk to a manager. It might change what happened, it might not, but there's something about taking action that makes us feel a bit better. But what if that disappointing outcome is getting rejected from your dream school?  You can't help but wonder if there's more you can do. 
First of all, there's a good chance your dream school has an appeals policy. Go on the website or call admissions. If it's against policy to even consider appeals, well, there's your answer. This is just one of those "life isn't fair" moments. If it really means that much to you, there's always the transfer option. But, you know how I feel about transferring
If the school will entertain appeals, and you really, truly feel you have a case then by all means. But ask yourself these questions first:
1. Is it because you got in to "better" schools?
2. Is it because your friend got in and you feel you have similar stats?
3. Is it because a distant relative went there and, as a legacy, you should have some standing?
4. Can you not imagine going anywhere else?
5. Was there a serious clerical error in your application or do you have significant new information (like decidely higher test scores) that admissions should know about?
6. Do you see where I'm going with this?
If you can answer question #5, then you might have a legitimate case on your hands. If you just want them to give you a second look, I hate to say it, but that's just not enough. Multiple people read each application and they really do look at everything you have to offer. It's not that you weren't good enough; you just didn't get in. That's all. I've said it before and I'll say it a million times more: admission is not a prize to be won. Being denied admission hurts, absolutely, but you're not being denied the opportunity to go to college. We all have to deal with disappointment eventually, but it's how you handle it that's most important.