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The Daily OrangePushing the envelope
In hyper-competitive world of admissions, some students take thank you notes to a new extreme
By Andrea Roxas
Posted: 10/25/07, 12:46 AM EST Section: News
Some potential college students don't wait until the winter holidays to get into the spirit of giving.
For example, a student applying to Syracuse University last year sent the Office of Admissions a crate of oranges with a note attached that read, "Orange you going to include me in the freshman class?"
In another instance, a set of twins submitted a video of themselves in a fireside chat, complete with song and dance.
A female applicant even sent in a small braid of her hair, which left the admissions office puzzled.
"We didn't understand the significance of that," said Charlotte Tefft, associate director of admissions. "Was it supposed to be like a lucky rabbit's foot for her?"
In today's highly competitive admissions atmosphere, some college-bound hopefuls send gifts or, more commonly, thank you notes to admissions offices to set themselves apart from the common application crowd.
While Nancy Rothschild, assistant dean of admissions at SU, said gifts "are really not necessary and sometimes inappropriate," she and other admissions officials from Barnard College, Fordham University and Tulane University said thank you notes seem genuine and are appreciated. The notes are generally sent in response to a campus visit, thanking officials for answering questions or for giving interviews, tours or information sessions.
"When we get thank you cards, we think it's a nice thing," said Laura Kaub, an admissions officer at Barnard, an affiliate of Columbia University. "The thank yous are very short and simple, nothing plotted out and strategized, just the polite thing to do."
Leila Labens, an admissions counselor at Tulane in New Orleans, agreed.
"Admissions counselors don't always put a face to the name," Labens said. "But if you get a note from a student and then you get their application, it'll set off a bell in your head. You'll remember meeting with them."
Labens said she has a file in one of her drawers where she keeps the notes.
For example, a student applying to Syracuse University last year sent the Office of Admissions a crate of oranges with a note attached that read, "Orange you going to include me in the freshman class?"
In another instance, a set of twins submitted a video of themselves in a fireside chat, complete with song and dance.
A female applicant even sent in a small braid of her hair, which left the admissions office puzzled.
"We didn't understand the significance of that," said Charlotte Tefft, associate director of admissions. "Was it supposed to be like a lucky rabbit's foot for her?"
In today's highly competitive admissions atmosphere, some college-bound hopefuls send gifts or, more commonly, thank you notes to admissions offices to set themselves apart from the common application crowd.
While Nancy Rothschild, assistant dean of admissions at SU, said gifts "are really not necessary and sometimes inappropriate," she and other admissions officials from Barnard College, Fordham University and Tulane University said thank you notes seem genuine and are appreciated. The notes are generally sent in response to a campus visit, thanking officials for answering questions or for giving interviews, tours or information sessions.
"When we get thank you cards, we think it's a nice thing," said Laura Kaub, an admissions officer at Barnard, an affiliate of Columbia University. "The thank yous are very short and simple, nothing plotted out and strategized, just the polite thing to do."
Leila Labens, an admissions counselor at Tulane in New Orleans, agreed.
"Admissions counselors don't always put a face to the name," Labens said. "But if you get a note from a student and then you get their application, it'll set off a bell in your head. You'll remember meeting with them."
Labens said she has a file in one of her drawers where she keeps the notes.
Viewing Comments 1 - 2 of 2
Kate
posted 10/25/07 @ 8:48 AM EST
Not to be rude or anything but I do not see the purpose of this article. Someone sending oranges to SU and other ridiculous gifts like braids of hair are one thing and honestly make a mockery of the applying student. (Continued…)
Jeanne
posted 10/25/07 @ 5:20 PM EST
I don't know what a ridiculous "braid of hair" meant-(way TOO personal) but I DO believe that the crate of oranges was a unique and positive way to send a positive message to the admissions office. (Continued…)
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