Strange Situation

Jolie, BSN · Feb 28, 2006

It may seem harsh, but the school must have a cut off at some point. While you had to rely on others to write your recommendations, it was still your responsibility to see that they were submitted on time.

My roomate missed out on nursing school admission because her former university failed to submit her transcripts on time, even though she had requested them well in advance.

A harsh lesson in the ways of the world. Good luck on your wait-list status!

Annaiya, NP · Feb 28, 2006

I disagree with the "that's life" answer. You need to be able to stand up for what is right, and being penalized for something you had very little control over isn't right. (But I will keep this in mind when I apply to the program I want this fall. I can't imagine being waitlisted because of a reference!) I think a letter could be appropriate, but I would be too worried no one would read it. I would be more likely to call the admissions director, or the person you interviewed with and either set up and appointment to go in and talk to them, so find a good time to talk with them on the phone. (I'd also check to see what the application says in terms of what is considered late for the application. Do they specify that all of the recommendations need to be in by then?)

I would say something along the lines of "I was concerned when I heard that I was only being considered for a wait list spot..." And then go on to express your interest in the program and what you did to prepare the materials for your references, etc. Also, by talking to them you will know right away if they will change their minds or not. If not, I would be concerned for the quality of the program. I am leary of anyone or any program who cannot make reasonable exceptions to rules. Life just is not black and white.

SFCardiacRN · Mar 1, 2006

We had a nurse get kicked out of 4th semester for being late too many times. Always had a good excuse but thats how schools are!

carolinapooh, BSN, RN · Mar 1, 2006

I would write that letter. At this point, the only thing that happens is you don't make the wait list, right? And I would cc the Dean/Director of Admissions in addition to the Admissions officer who's responsible for your app.

You also don't know (I'm assuming you don't) if the thing was MAILED on time, but didn't MAKE it in time. We all know that the US mail system basically sucks. I've sent things overnight that took three days to arrive. That's no one's fault but the good old USPS.

At any rate, I would write the letter. Let us know what happens and good luck to you.

carrie13 · Mar 1, 2006

Write the letter just in case. You also might want to check their admission guidelines. I know my school required ALL admission items to be received by a certain date - transcripts, recommendations, references, etc. If they make that stipulation at your school then you might not get anywhere. But if they only require the application by a certain date then you might get them to reconsider.

I had a problem with my high school transcript getting submitted on time. Even though I have a college degree and the school received a copy of my college transcript they were insisting on receiving a copy of my high school diploma. Of course my high school never sent it on time and I was put on the waitlist. I had to dig through their policies manual - but eventually I found something stating that the high school diploma was not required if a previous college degree and transcript was submitted. Because I found that info I was moved off the waitlist and was able to start the program on time.

Good luck!

May_baby · Mar 1, 2006

I really appreciate the feedback that I have received.

I will write the letter as part of my thank you notes to everyone involved in my interview. (And I do mean everyone, the support staff at this school was incredible!)

To respond to the "hard knocks" poster. Oh heck yeah, sometimes life is not very fair or even remotely nice. I've got that lesson down pat! So if things do not work out I will be more than fine.

In the meantime, I am grateful for the support that has been offered. Just the infusion I needed to get off my butt and attempt to make this dream happen.

Merci Beaucoup!!!:redbeathe

Trauma Columnist · Mar 1, 2006

Good luck.

Selke · Mar 1, 2006

I was rejected from UCSF for not having my file complete on time, either, for the same reasons - two of my recommendations were not recieved by deadline. I had an interview, too ... basically they said, sorry, we have so many applicants, that's the way it goes. I was waitlisted at my other school, however, and got in in June, but by then the financial aid (scholarships and free money) was all given away, so I would have gotten in on loans only. The last school I applied to had a late admissions deadline (April 1st) and I was accepted without difficulty (my file was complete by then), but of course that deadline put me past the deadline for applying for, say NHSC scholarship support for school, which is what I wanted/needed to do to pay for school. My school offers some scholarships if you qualify (incoming RNs usually don't, as we've been working fulltime), the rest loans -- like buying a house! So, yes the entire thing is how you game and play the system, in a way, at least as far as initial admissions goes. Someone told me after the fact I should have gotten the letters from the individuals in person to include in one packet to send to the schools.

Good luck to you.

christvs, DNP, RN, NP · Mar 3, 2006

I'm glad you're writing the school a letter because I don't think it's fair for them to penalize you for someone else taking a long time to pass in your recommendation letter. Good luck & let us know what happens.