U of Penn Prepares for Calls from Unsuccessful Applicants

The Daily Pennsylvanian reports that University of Pennsylvania admissions officers are bracing for a flood of appeals from waitlisted and rejected applicants.

Such communications are "a rite of passage of spring," Dean of Admissions Lee Stetson said.

Dean Stetson encourages waitlisted applicants to let his office know whether they are still interested in attending Penn, and to provide any updated information that is relevant to their case for admission.

Applicants who have been denied, however, have no chance of reversing that decision at this point in the admissions cycle. Penn also discourages requests for feedback on failed applications. According to Dean Stetson, "We have found over the years that it's better not to discuss specifics of why a student is not chosen, because it creates a point of tension where the student might argue with us."

Stetson expressed sympathy for the frustration that rejected applicants feel. "It's a reflection of how much they really want to come to Penn, " he said.

The University of Pennsylvania accepted just 17.7% of applicants for 2006.

Source: "Officials Brace for Year's Complaints," by Meagan Steiner - The Daily Pennsylvanian, April 10, 2006

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