Neilio (2022-2023)

12/04/2009--Accepted via status checker at the University of Georgia. Was very excited, and loved everything I subsequently read about Athens.

01/07/2010--Accepted via phone call at the U of MN. Since I'm from MN but haven't lived there full time in seven years, this was exciting news for my family. And then:

01/11/2010--Received envelope from the U of MN, with $12,000/yr scholarship included, contingent on maintaining a 2.5 GPA. Since money is a big deal to me and I already have in-state tuition, this would be tough to top.

01/21/2010--Received two small envelopes in the mail today. One was a rejection from UCLA. This was so expected that I'm hardly even disappointed. The second was a waitlist from George Washington. Not a huge surprise, either, though somewhat disappointing. A scholarship was unlikely anyways, and I would not be willing to pay sticker given my offer from MN.

01/25/2010--Waitlisted by Washington & Lee. Concerning because I sent them my second PS, which I wrote for schools requiring under 500 words-- the same one I sent to Irvine, Illinois and GWU.

Later in the day, though, accepted to Washington U in St. Louis! Would be ten times more pumped if I didn't essentially learn from a sentence omitted from my e-mail that I won't be considered for a scholarship.

01/29/2010--Got my much anticipated decision from Illinois... I'm in! With a $25,000/yr guaranteed scholarship! Had my doubts about getting in, largely because I've been regretting my approach to the under 500 word personal statements. Did write a concise Why Illinois, which amounted to bullet points in the form of a paragraph. Price should now be comparable to MN...

02/11/2010--Waitlisted at Fordham today. Not a huge surprise. Might opt to stay on this one, since it is my last hope to stay in NYC. The price is a huge deterrent, though. Will think it over.

02/12/2010--Waitlisted at Indiana University today. Realized in the process that wait list is actually two words. Withdrew from Indiana, George Washington and Washington & Lee wait lists. Still contemplating Fordham.

02/16/2010--Accepted at Colorado via snail mail! I have never been to Colorado, but Boulder really appeals to me. Would be happy to attend Boulder, but since I've received some other generous offers it would take some scholarship money for me to seriously consider attending at this point. Crossing my fingers.

02/20/2010--Just checked my Texas status checker and learned my application was denied 02/17. Totally expected, but still a little disappointed to know there is no longer any chance I'll be living in Austin next year.