First Taste of Rejection

Since it is college application season, my mailbox was once again crammed full with slick college catalogues and the like. But wading through the thick bundle of mail, I came across one envelope that I had been anticipating: Carleton College. In early September, I had applied to a Taste of Carleton program to visit, dine, and room at Carleton for 3 days entirely at their expense. Considering the program was entirely free, I decided to give it a shot and apply. This is their reply. I'll copy it in its entirely because first rejection letters are a milestone in life:

Dear Sarah:

We thank you for your interest in our Taste of Carleton event. Unfortunately, the response to this event was overwhelming and we regret to inform you that we have filled all of the spots available to us for the event. We know this is disappointing news and certainly not what you had hoped to hear.

There were many qualified and talented candidates like you from around the country who presented fine academic records and strong personal qualities. We'd like to strongly encourage you to visit Carleton on another date and utilize our multicultural flight subsidy which covers half the cost of an airline ticket up to $200. Please contact our office determine the best options for you visit.

We wish you the best this fall.

Sincerely,

The TOC Team

I sent in my application semi-late (on the last day of the deadline, but that was really because of school starting dates than my procrastination--for once), but this letter kind of ribbed me anyways. I know that based solely on academic record--or school transcript, as that was all they looked at--I should have gotten in. Of course, if the response really was overwhelming, then 50 people out of a large pool is a very small percentage, and those 50 people definitely were not among the last 50 people to turn it in. Mwwuah, I'm being long and windy and nonsensical.

But quite honestly, I would have never even looked at Carleton if not for this program. Middle-of-Nowhere, Minnesota was, and still is not a very attractive location. Positive spin: Now I know that I'm not applying to Carleton. Alright, 1 college crossed off, 17 to go.