A college rejection letter is written by a college, informing a student who has applied for admission that admission has been denied. A college rejection letter should be both formal and empathetic. Advising a student they cannot attend a college of their choice is unfortunate, and the writer should be both quick and kind when informing the student of the decision. Put the rejection in the first few sentences of the letter, after an expression of regret.
Continue with the reason for your decision not to extend admission. The writer’s job is to inform the student of the school’s decision without discouraging them. Express your appreciation for the student’s effort, and wish them well. Ending the letter with “Best regards” is kind and professional.
What to Include in a College Rejection Letter
- A “Thank you for applying” Statement
- Expression of regret
- Denial of admission
- Reason for denial (usually a prepared statement)
- Appreciation for the student’s efforts
- Statement of good will
What Not to Include
Any specific information regarding the decision process. The information that the student reviewed when they applied to your institution instructed them on the requirements for admission.
College Rejection Letter Format
Office of Admissions
{Institution Name}
{Institution Address}
{Date}
Dear {Title} {Student Name}:
Thank you for applying to {Institution Name}. After carefully reviewing your application and supporting documents, I must write with sincere regret to inform you we are unable to offer you a place among our entering class. I understand you spent a considerable amount of effort and time in making your application.
Unfortunately, we receive many admission applications each year from students who are capable of successfully pursuing a course of study at {Institution Name} and significantly contributing to our community. We deeply regret we cannot offer admission to every qualified student who applies.
We are honored to have been considered as one of your college choices. Your academic record is impressive, and we wish you the best in your continued academic success.
Best regards,
{Your Signature}
{Your Name}
{Your Title}
Sample college rejection letter
Office of Admissions
The University of Alexandria
3006 South Elysian Lane
Alexandria, NJ 75668
April 30, 2020
Dear Ms. Alyssa Ingram:
Thank you for applying to The University of Alexandria. After carefully reviewing your application and supporting documents, I must write with sincere regret to inform you we are unable to offer you a place among our entering class. I understand you spent a considerable amount of effort and time in making your application.
Unfortunately, we receive many admission applications each year from students who are capable of successfully pursuing a course of study at The University of Alexandria and significantly contributing to our community. We deeply regret we cannot offer admission to every qualified student who applies.
We are honored to have been considered as one of your college choices. Your academic record is impressive, and we wish you the best in your continued academic success.
Best regards,
Jennifer Milo
Jennifer Milo
Dean of Admissions
College Rejection Letter Examples and Templates
Being required to write a college rejection letter is an unhappy circumstance. Reading a sample letter and having a basic format to adapt can make that circumstance a bit easier, and help you create a perfect college rejection letter. The sample letter and basic format we have provided can help you complete this unpleasant task.
College Rejection Response Letter
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Sample College Rejection Letter
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College Rejection Letters (Word & PDF)
A college rejection letter is sent by the college administration to an applicant, informing them that they will not be accepted into a specific course or the school. The letter is written by someone responsible for assessing applications. Due to the nature of its message, it should be presented in a firm but polite tone. Here are some sample college rejection letters for better understanding.
College Denial Letters
If you have been accepted to multiple colleges, you can send a college denial letter to the schools you will not be accepting. The purpose is to inform the administration that you have accepted another offer. It also opens up space for other applicants on the waiting list. A college denial letter can also be a college rejection letter; in this case, the college administrator sends the letter if the college doesn’t accept the admission request.
University Rejection Letters
University rejection letters are sent by the school administration informing an applicant that they are not considered for admission. These letters are relatively more challenging to appeal since most universities have a fixed admissions rate.
Warping up
When you are faced with the unfortunate task of rejecting a college applicant for admission, be professional and firmly state the denial. Also explain why you cannot admit the applying student. Often this reason can be a prepared statement expressing regret that all qualifying students cannot be admitted. Wish the student will in their academic future. Being kind and empathetic can soften the blow for both you and the student.
