That's that

[kenjari]

Oregon rejected me, too. No grad school for me this year.
I really wasn't expecting this. All the signs were pointing to yes - I had forged a good connection with one of their professors, I was invited to apply to the Oregon Bach Festival Composer's Symposium, I got in to the aforementioned symposium, I received warm e-mails from the school. I flew three thousand miles to visit. I had started communicating with them about my interest in applying in June. I just can't think of another thing I could have done. There must have been something, but no one was telling me what that was.
So here I am, stuck again for another year, when I'd rather be in school in Oregon. I was (and still am) prepared to make the sacrifices moving across the country would entail. It would be worth it.
So now I've got to go through this all again next year. And I'll be reapplying to Oregon and UMKC at least. I may be angry at them now, but I still like them. Hopefully I'll be able to communicate with their faculty over the summer and find out what I can do to improve my application for next year, find out what it was I turned out to be lacking. At least with Oregon, I can do some of that in person in June.

Comments

[epilimnion.livejournal.com]

Well, we talked for a long time last night, and I really don't have anything to add. It sucks that they rejected you this year, especially after such positive feedback. But I have no doubt that you were very close to getting in. just build on that good opinion they so obviously have of you and it will turn into an acceptance.

[kenjari.livejournal.com]

Yeah, and I hope it is significant that with the Bach Festival, I have been handed a perfect opportunity to do just that.

[epilimnion.livejournal.com]

It's totally significant. you couldn't have a better opportunity to improve your portfolio all around and build your relationship wth Oregon specifically. Make them glad you are re-applying. Honestly, I bet there are lots of applicants who almost make the cut, but disappear after their rejection even though they would probably get in with a few improvements and a second try. So when you come back swinging, you'll really stand out.