Sample Letters

Below is a sample letter of the form that you may wish to send to colleges. Note that the form of the letters is exactly the same, with the exception of the second paragraph.

Sample Letter to Request an Application and Catalog

Your Name
111 Pine Street
Nashville, TN 37215
March 1, 2003

Director of Undergraduate Admissions
Vanderbilt University
Nashville, TN 37203

Dear Sir:
I am a rising senior at Franklin Road Academy and expect to graduate in May, 2005. I would be a candidate for enrollment in the freshman class entering the fall of 2005.

Please send me an application, viewbook, and a catalog, including information on college costs and program descriptions. I am considering economics and business as a major.

Thank you.
Sincerely,
Don C. Juan

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Sample Letter to Schedule Campus Visit and Tour

Replace the second paragraph with:

I am interested in visiting your campus, taking a campus tour, and meeting with an Admissions Counselor. Since I am considering economics and business as a major, I would also like to meet with someone from that department, if possible. I could visit campus on Friday or Monday around most weekends this fall. Please let me know of a date and time that would be convenient.

NOTE: For college visits, it is better to set an appointment over the phone since some negotiation about date and time is usually necessary. If you are thinking about competing in athletics in college, you may want to include time for talking with a member of the coaching staff during your college visit. You also may want to make arrangements to spend the night, attend classes, etc. All of these things are better handled by telephone.

Sample Letter Requesting Information about Financial Aid

Replace the second paragraph with:

My parents and I would like to investigate college costs and possible sources of financial aid. Please send us information on how and when to apply for financial aid, Please enclose any forms we need to begin the process of seeking financial aid.

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Sample Thanks-But-No Thanks Letter

The following letter should be sent to colleges when you have begun the application process but have decided not to follow through, to colleges where you have been placed on the Wait List but do not wish to hold a place, and to colleges where you have been accepted but do not wish to attend.

Gentlemen:

Thank you very much for your offer of admission to Yale University. I am pleased and honored to know that you consider me the quality of student for which you are looking.

After discussion with my parents, I have decided to attend the University of Tennessee. It was not an easy decision and I am sure I will second-guess myself in years to come. I hope this notification gives you a chance to make room for someone on your waiting list.

Gentlemen:

Although I have requested application forms and initiated the application process with you, I have decided not to complete my application.

I have received an offer of Early Admission from Princeton University and have decided to accept it. Thank you for your time and effort on behalf of my application.

NOTE: Be sure to include your full name and address and your Social Security Number on any correspondence with all colleges and universities. This number is usually the identifying feature which distinguishes your record from others who may have the same or similar name.

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Return to Sender

Imagine the surprise of the admissions officer who opened this request for information;

To the Admissions Office:
I did want to go to your college, but it's too expensive. Please send me the name of a college that is similar to yours but cheaper. Much cheaper!

NOTE: You will find that college websites contain information about visiting campus, applications, etc. You can even take virtual tours. Be sure to check the websites first; a letter may not be necessary if you can email them directly from their website.

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Sample Acceptance and Denial Letters:

Below are samples of an acceptance letter and a denial letter for you to send to colleges when you have made your final decision. Notice that you may need to tailor these letters to fit each individual university.

By May 1st, you are REQUIRED to let all colleges and universities which have admitted you know whether you are planning to enroll or not!

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Acceptance Letter

Dear Director of Admissions:

Thank you for your offer of admission for the freshman class beginning in fall, 2005. I am pleased to accept your offer and look forward to being a student at College Name Here.

Please be sure that I receive future mailings on orientation, housing, etc.

Sincerely,
Complete name
Address
Social Security Number

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Denial Letter

Dear Director of Admission:

Thank you for your offer of admission to College Name Here beginning fall, 2005. However, I have decided to attend College Name Here next year.

I do appreciate the time and consideration you gave my application.

Sincerely,
Complete name
Address
Social Security Number

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