ashe (2022-2023)

First generation college student, economically disadvantaged while growing up. Almost flunked out 10 years ago, went back and maintained 4.0 for last four years while working full time for a well-know semiconductor manufacturer. So yeah, I'm a non-trad...no extra curriculars to speak of, too busy working and studying. That's about it.

Most of these schools are reaches for me, but they can't say no if I don't ask, right? *crosses fingers*

11-08-06
In at Baylor. Nice to start off with an acceptance! Received an email followed by large envelope in the mail several days later.

11-29-06
Wow. In at Duke. Received notification via email because I applied to a dual degree program, and they can't send the official letter until the grad school decides whether or not they like me. I can't stop smiling...

Also, the email thanked me for applying "priority track" even though I don't remember requesting it.

12-01-06
Email from Columbia about missing Dean's certifications. My undergrad just sent them out a few days ago, so I'm not too worried. I'm putting this as the "received" date, because it's the only communication I've had from them so far. Still nothing from Berkeley, either.

12-04-06
Complete at Yale. I should receive my rejection letter in February or March.

12-05-06
Complete at Berkeley via email.

12-06-06
Complete at Stanford.

12-13-06
In at UT! Regular-sized white envelope, but I could tell there was more than one sheet of paper inside. The online status check still says that my file is "being considered for early admission."

12-15-06
BIG day!
- Phone call from UT to personally congratulate me on my acceptance
- Received email notification that I'm finally complete at Columbia
- Email from Duke that my official decision letter has been mailed, and...
- I got the Harvard phone call email. I am, to say the least, freaking completely out.

12-19-06
Giant blue folder from Duke arrived today. Still no phone call from Harvard...

12-20-06
Toby Stock called at 1:43 pm Central time. About 8 minutes long. Could have gone better, could have gone worse...ugh. I feel sick.

01-25-07
Deferral email from Berkeley, they anticipate making a final decision by Feb. 23. Not surprised that I haven't heard from Harvard, but I can't help but be very bummed anyway. Added some more info on myself, since I think adcoms have a pretty good idea whether they want me or not at this point.

02-02-07
Held at HLS...I'm glad, I was afraid I'd be the first phone call interview to get flat-out rejected. I don't have anything more to give them but a "Why Harvard" essay, and maybe an updated resume...it's a long shot, but having come this far, I'll see it through to the end!

02-03-07
Rejection letter from Stanford. Not at all surprised.

02-05-07
Hold letter from Columbia. ARG THE WAITING IT BURNS LIKE FIRE

02-19-07
Withdrew from Baylor, I wouldn't choose it over Duke or UT even with the full ride.

03-03-07
Waitlisted at Berkeley via snail mail, letter dated 02-27. I'll sit on it for a little while, but I think I'll probably end up withdrawing - I don't have a burning desire to wind up in California.

03-25-07
Just FYI, received the Yale "Update and FAQ" email. Also found out at the ASW that Duke misplaced my financial aid file and that's why I haven't received an offer yet. They were very apologetic and promised to email it to me this week. Looks like Yale, Harvard and Columbia are going to leave me hanging until the bitter end...watch those GPAs, kids. Apparently they're very important.

04-16-07
Aaaaand the inevitable Yale rejection. Small envelope, letter dated March 28th. Six down, two to go...

04-18-07
Sad little envelope from Columbia. I'm not surprised, I didn't send any additional info in after I was deferred. I had decided that I really didn't want to live in NYC (I'm a country girl at heart), and I wanted to see if they'd accept me based on my initial app. Guess not!

04-30-07
Waitlisted at Harvard, smallish envelope. I'm staying on 'til the bitter end. Otherwise, I'm off to Duke.

07-23-07
Still haven't received a rejection letter from Harvard.