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Barmymoo:
I hadn't realised it was standard practice to sign over the envelope when you write a reference, so when I asked my DoS for one and she not only did that but also posted it herself, I was really worried that she had written "May is a total psychopath who is utterly employable and I can't bear to spend a minute in the same room as her, hire someone else" or something.
I mean, there is no reason why she would have written that as none of it is true, but still. It seemed like you wouldn't write a good thing and then go to such great lengths to hide it.
I got the job though, so whatever.
Papersatan:
Ok, so I got an email today from one of the programs I applied to, the one I want to got to most actually, but I don't know what it means and I am freaking out. Help me oh wise internet.
--- Quote ---You may have already seen this information in our Facebook group for prospective students (http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/UM-SI-Prospective-MSI-Students-2011/177899965577604), but in a effort to ensure that everyone is working with the same information, I am sending this email with further information on SI Scholarship process. This information can be found in a blog entry at:http://mblog.lib.umich.edu/sitrenches1/archives/2011/03/si_scholarships.html.
Our SI Scholarships are merit-based, and typically cover half of tuition (regardless of your residency status).
We go through 3-4 rounds of SI Scholarship offers (which typically cover 1/2 of tuition) throughout the term. We just completed the first round (late February/early March). Our next round will be in mid to late April, with the next round in mid to late May.
The first round of SI Scholarships are entirely merit-based. Subsequent rounds will always have merit as the primary factor for consideration, but we will also look at your motivation to attend SI and if there is anything in particular about the nature of your financial need.
These additional factors can be demonstrated by professional, consistent communication with us. You are welcome to submit an additional letter/email for the admissions committee's consideration. I've seen previous admissions committees look at your excitement about SI, your efforts in applying for external fellowships, anything particular about the nature of your need, the connections you make at Visiting Days, the professionalism of your interactions, and other things for the subsequent rounds of SI Scholarship.
Merit is still the primary factor, and by merit we mean the stregnth of your statement of purpose and personal statement, your letters of recommendation, your internship/research/work experience, your academic record including your GRE, demonstration of leadership, service, comfort with ambiguity, etc. It is NOT just your GRE/GPA.
If you have questions or would like to send a communication to the admissions committee, please feel free to email [email protected] or you can email me directly at [email protected]. For more resources regarding finances and aid, please visit http://si.umich.edu/applying/fin-aid.htm.
--- End quote ---
Does this mean they have made their first offers and I didn't get one? Should I be writing another letter to the admissions committee telling them I am awesome? How does one even do that? I wouldn't know how to even frame a letter like that. I think my "merit" is pretty good. I have a 3.4 from a good university. My GRE scores weren't awesome, but I think they were still plenty good for the program I am applying to. (630 verbal, 610 Quantitative and only a 4.0 on the essay) But what if it is not?
Does this mean I might not find out if I got in until May? I don't think I can wait that long. Is this completely separate from admissions, and if so how have they finished their first round of offers when offers of admissions were not supposed to be out until late March?
also what the hell does "comfort with ambiguity" mean? does that mean this whole email is a test to freak me out?
Barmymoo:
It sounds to me like they are just making sure everyone is aware of how they make the decision - rather than informing you of their decision, or even telling you when they will do so. The part about "professional, consistent communication" would suggest that if you write to them about something specific (such as an open day or for information about the course or something) they will rate you higher. In fact it seems like that is an instruction for you to do just that.
Lines:
It's mostly a, "Hey, this is how we're doing things, just so you know," not something that's meant to freak you out. Offers are usually sent via snail mail, so keep an eye out. If it doesn't show up in a week, write a letter.
Elizzybeth:
Re: snail mail, not the case for the schools where I got accepted. I got rejection letters via snail mail, but acceptances/fellowship offers via email.
I agree though, that that email sounds like a "heads up" email, rather than a "we've already made all our offers" email.
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