Fear Of God Letter: College Kills Senioritis With Stern Warnings

Christian University Kills Senioritis With 'Fear Of God' Letter

Be wary, college-bound seniors; some colleges are threatening to expel students before they start their grades slip below the schools' standards.

Raymond A. Brown, dean of admissions at Texas Christian University, said his school sent a "Fear of God" letter to 100 accepted seniors that demanded an explanation for students' slipping grades.

(SCROLL DOWN TO READ THE "FEAR OF GOD" LETTER)

It's a bold move but one meant to avoid the awkward process of booting an accepted student.

Earlier this year, the National Association for College Admission Counseling reported that approximately 35 percent of all colleges have rescinded college applications. Why? As any student will say, the last semester seems simply unimportant.

Seniors relax a bit, knowing that their goals are achieved and their college careers are underway.

On Quora, one anonymous high school senior shared how he had a nearly perfect score on the SAT but saw a significant drop in his grades after getting accepted into his first choice school. He admitted that he was often late -- if he even showed up to class -- and missed a lot of homework. After getting his final semester report card, his college demanded that he explain his actions.

"In response to my eight-page letter apologizing for my missteps and promising that I would never do it again, etc., the college admission office rescinded my admission late that June," the Quora user wrote.

The "Fear of God letters" sent by TCU:


Dear Joe,

We recently received your final high school transcript. While your overall academic background continues to demonstrate the potential for success, we are concerned with your performance during the senior year, particularly in calculus. University studies are rigorous and we need to know that you are prepared to meet T.C.U.’s academic challenges. With this in mind, I ask that you submit to me, as soon as possible but no later than July 31, 2012, a written statement detailing the reasons surrounding your senior year performance.

Joe, please understand that your admission to T.C.U. is in jeopardy. If I do not hear from you by the above date, I will assume you are no longer interested in T.C.U. and will begin the process of rescinding your admission.

Please realize that your personal and academic successes are very important to us. I look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely,

Raymond A. Brown
Dean

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Amherst College

Princeton Review Selectivity 2012

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