So, I'll start this with the statement that I'm ready to eat nails and spit out thumbtacks right now, so please take any raging with a grain of salt
( Read more... )
Just a tiny brief note: absolute do write that angry letter. But you might want to wait a few days before sending--if you do so at all. Academia is a small world, and while you're absolutely justified in being upset, you never know when this can come back to bite you. It probably won't, but you might not want to take that chance.
For what it's worth, I received a rejection letter (also from the Graduate School)...addressed to the wrong person from my top-choice program last year. I was confused and upset (though not quite as much as you--at least it was the same result either way!). I called the program for clarification and alongside profuse apologies--unexpectedly--received some really helpful feedback on my application.
A year later, my application went to the Graduate School again, this time with the department's recommendation for admission and a fellowship nomination. Considering the amount of power that they wielded over this situation (it isn't unusual for these nominations to be declined), I'm really glad that I gave them no reason to remember me...less than fondly.
I'm still debating it back and forth. On one hand, like you said, I do not want to burn any bridges. But the very blah manner with which they handled the whole thing makes me really feel the need to say something. They were very unconcerned about the mistake, and their only concern was "we'll get you the proper letter immediately." which was *not* the part I cared about at all.
The Email is worded very politely, and I did have people look at it who were not nearly as enraged as I was, so I may still send it, since the main gist was simply "This was handled in an unacceptable manner, and I would just like you to realize this, and I hope no one else has to go through this." But who knows. It's very possible my nonc-onfrontational side will have kicked in by tomorrow afternoon, and it will never leave the drafts folder. We shall see. But thank you for the very rational advice.
Just a tiny brief note: absolute do write that angry letter. But you might want to wait a few days before sending--if you do so at all. Academia is a small world, and while you're absolutely justified in being upset, you never know when this can come back to bite you. It probably won't, but you might not want to take that chance.
For what it's worth, I received a rejection letter (also from the Graduate School)...addressed to the wrong person from my top-choice program last year. I was confused and upset (though not quite as much as you--at least it was the same result either way!). I called the program for clarification and alongside profuse apologies--unexpectedly--received some really helpful feedback on my application.
A year later, my application went to the Graduate School again, this time with the department's recommendation for admission and a fellowship nomination. Considering the amount of power that they wielded over this situation (it isn't unusual for these nominations to be declined), I'm really glad that I gave them no reason to remember me...less than fondly.
Reply
The Email is worded very politely, and I did have people look at it who were not nearly as enraged as I was, so I may still send it, since the main gist was simply "This was handled in an unacceptable manner, and I would just like you to realize this, and I hope no one else has to go through this." But who knows. It's very possible my nonc-onfrontational side will have kicked in by tomorrow afternoon, and it will never leave the drafts folder. We shall see. But thank you for the very rational advice.
Reply
Leave a comment