In early February, students who’ve sent their applications to Ivy League or liberal arts schools may receive what is called a ‘Likely Letter.’ A ‘Likely Letter’ is a college’s way of strongly hinting that the receiver of the letter should expect good news, despite the fact that the decision-making process has not been fully completed.
The sending and receiving of these letters benefit both the college and the student. Mr. Dean Jacoby, of the College Counseling office, says, “During a stressful time [senior year], it’s a real positive for the individual.” For colleges, ‘Likely Letters’ are a way to attract highly sought after students.
Mr. Jacoby reveals that the likelihood of receiving this type of letter is very slim, yet those students who do are always accepted. He says, “They are completely unofficial, but students who receive them can count on being admitted.
Colleges send these letters in hopes to make their school seem preferable to others that the student may have applied to. Mr. Jacoby uses the example of the child’s game, King of the Hill. By sending a student a ‘Likely Letter,’ that school is the first on a students mind. Therefore, the student is on that school’s “hill.” In order for other colleges to persuade the student to attend their schools, they must first knock the applicant from the “hill” of the first school.
There are, of course, a few negatives, especially in a school such as Choate. “At Choate, with so many strong students, more people get ‘Likely Letters’ than at other schools,” says Mr. Jacoby. He continues by adding that this may lead to anxiety for people who don’t receive the letters. “It’s helpful to the individual, but unhelpful to the group as a whole.”
“Most of the student population shouldn’t expect or read too much into them,” says Mr. Jacoby, “because it ends up applying to only a small number of people each year.” He is a strong believer in enjoying and getting the most out of Choate during the senior year. He says, “Now, with ‘Likely Letters,’ Early Enrolling, and colleges responding earlier with regular decision, it seems like there’s never a moment to put college aside.”
Therefore, Choate students should be happy to receive a ‘Likely Letter,’ but be sure to also enjoy your time and make use of the many opportunities that Choate has to offer.
