Today, I was rejected from the University of Washington. My dad has been a professor there for 30 years, and is on the board of admissions. FML
I agree, your life sucks (139871) - you totally deserved it (26694)
On 03/16/2009 at 12:05am - misc - by Noname (woman) - United States (Washington)
Maybe your dad hates nepotism, or doesnt want anyone at his work to think that he would take part in nepotism.
In any case I'm sure you will get in somewhere, and all your dreams will come true.
well, considering the fact that it's a board decision, i don't think this one is really f***ed.
#3 - On 03/16/2009 at 11:12am by misskrisha
Aw, that's too bad. I hear UW's been rejecting a lot of applicants, though, since they get so many every quarter.
Western Washington University is a great school, might try applying there.
www.wwu.edu
Obviously you assumed you could just get in because your daddy works there and probably didn't try to do well in high school.
Your loss.
Honestly though, most admissions directors give you lots of kudos for parent alums. That's pretty f'd up.
o_o...how is this a FMY? Try a little harder and stop relying on your dad. If you're going to university, you're old enough to start making your own connections.
well, either you were expecting you dad to let you in, in which case I have very little sympathy. But it sounds more like you're just embarrassed. UW is an incredibly competitive school, so it's really nothing to be ashamed of. There are plenty of other universities out there that you can go to.
Dude don't worry, your dad isn't allowed to stay in when they come to make their decision about you, it's conflict of interest. So while you may not be in the school, at least your dad doesn't think you aren't worthy! :) Hopefully you get in somewhere else
Its okay, same thing happen to me. Excluding the professor part.
#18 - On 03/16/2009 at 12:03pm by Admin
UW is getting more picky these days. There's always Western. It's easier to get in to, and is a good school.
Maybe the school just didn't think you met their standards. It shouldn't matter if you dad works there or not.
I agree with #s 1, 5, and 21!
dude no one is getting into UDUB..its impossible. Like other ppl said there is western.
#23 - On 03/16/2009 at 12:31pm by crazyforcrew
My brother got in ;) But he's ridiculously smart and will probably save the world. He's going to WWU, though-they have the programs he wants in the environment he wants. WWU is a good school, and so are a lot of schools in Washington. There's also other UW campuses that you could go to for a few years and then try and transfer (same with a community college).
This sucks, but hopefully you had a safety or two.
#25 - On 03/16/2009 at 12:58pm by ichbineinkrapfen
Agree @ #2
My dad does the same stuff. I work for him and he pays me two dollars an hour less then they hire people at!
#26 - On 03/16/2009 at 1:08pm by christopherk1d
Anyone who is calling the OP 'spoiled' or the like for expecting to get in because of her father's position is either an idiot, or so far removed from the college application process that it's... ridiculous.
It's unfortunate, but often things like connections, financial standing, or ethnic background matter much more than academic performance, particularly if you're an average student. The process is royally fucked up, and anything but straightforward. IE: I know a girl who was not a good student, but because her father went to GW and was very wealthy, they let her in. And when her boyfriend got rejected, a phone call was made and *he* got in.
People are saying she's spoiled because she mentioned that her dad is part of the admission's board. It seems she was expecting to get in based purely on that fact.
#164 - On 07/11/2009 at 6:33am by Amphysvena
Uhmm someone's stupid. I agree, this isn't an FML, you should've tried harder and not relied on your dad. A friend of mine got rejected from UVA and his dad was HEAD of admissions and he got straight a's. So HAH! You need to shut up and stop bitching.
#29 - On 03/16/2009 at 1:16pm by twokewl4ya0pt2
Your dad just doesn't want you to see how much ass he gets from students who need a good grade, obv. Good play on his part.
#30 - On 03/16/2009 at 1:22pm by cuttybuddy
You fail at life if you can't get into UW, it has a 65 percent acceptance rate. You must have terrible grades or will add no value to the campus.
Sorry.
#31 - On 03/16/2009 at 1:30pm by SriLankanMonkey
Good. You shouldn't be admitted based upon your father's success. Admission should be based on merit. So go read a book.
western sucks. why would you ever suggest going there? unless you smoke alot of pot. GO DAWGS! sorry though that sucks. im glad I started here this year or else i might not have gotten in due to the budget cuts.
#33 - On 03/16/2009 at 1:38pm by notyouraverage
I agree with everyone else here - while in real life connections might play into whether or not someone gets admitted (or gets a promotion or status or anything), you should at least have the sense to recognize that if you don't get in even WITH those connections, you really need to shape up your act.
On the bright side, 10 years down the road, if you make something of yourself, no one can say that you just got where you are because you come from a rich/influential family. Ultimately, this could benefit you - people will respect you more
Your dad was in the right, here.
It would be ridiculously ignorant for you to think he'd let you into the college, just because he's your dad
#39 - On 03/16/2009 at 2:17pm by FXCKMYLIFE
UW is so picky- grades alone wont always get you in and apparently family relations in the board wont either. and I really doubt any of the people who just told you to "be smarter" have achieved anything close to what you have academically.
Hopefully you had a backup plan though...
dude, just because ur dad's in a high position there, doesn't mean you've got more chance of entering, jerk
Theres no playing favourites you know. If you think a family member will squeeze you in, I guess you shouldn't be in that university anyway.
#43 - On 03/16/2009 at 2:30pm by Tuxedo_Mask
Maybe you should have gone to UPS or PLU.
Don't forget, there's always Evergreen ;)
#45 - On 03/16/2009 at 2:36pm by OneShoeShort
dude, # 31, don't be an asshole. You obviously know nothing about UW's acceptance rate right now. 65%? are you kidding me? They didn't let anyone in for spring quarter because of the economic financial crisis, even if they would have normally accepted them. The only time they're accepting students is in the fall, which means that all of the applicants that would have normally applied in the spring/winter or summer quarters ALL have to apply (WITH the thousands of fall applicants already) in the fall. 65% my ass. Don't just assume things before you state them with confidence.
UW is picky about it's students, I must admit. Unless you are from the state of Washington (which I am assuming you are because your father is a professor there). To those who think the UW isn't a good school, you really need to get some perspective, research is very important to a school. Research is one of the main reasons that the UW is such a great school, and thus is why they are picky about their students.
#49 - On 03/16/2009 at 3:15pm by celestialorb
sorry you didn't get in :( like others have said, you can always try to transfer in next year. or maybe you'll end up going to a school that's actually better for you (which is what happened to me except that i actually did end up at uw). good luck!
#50 - On 03/16/2009 at 3:22pm by blossoma19
Nepotism is wrong and only leads to bad things, anyway. Just look at the Bush family...
#52 - On 03/16/2009 at 3:33pm by wallythedolly
Wow just because he works there makes you think you can get in? You deserve this for expecting to get something because your dad is working there and not because you earned it yourself
It is true though, many universities will look more at your application if you've shown a loyalty to the school (via your family)
Yea I agree with pretty much everyone. Just cause your daddy works there don't mean you're gonna get in. Don't rely on him. If you're going to a university then you are obviously old enough to rely on yourself.
-Your DarkestSinn
#55 - On 03/16/2009 at 3:45pm by DarkestSinn
I graduated from the UW not very long ago...it's true, the Profs typically care more about their research than teaching. That school is so big, it's rare that you will even have direct contact with your Profs until you reach your junior and senior years (as an undergrad). It's more likely you'll be taught by TAs during your first two years. I wouldn't be too worried about the rejection, TC. If you have the financial means to do so, I'd look into Seattle University. I guess it depends on what you want to study.
Ummm...I'm really GLAD that you didn't get into WashU because that means it is true that family connections and legacy don't matter. I hope that you can see this is a good thing.
#58 - On 03/16/2009 at 4:11pm by jez_monkey
I don't think anyone should criticize this guy/girl. These posts are very vague and there can be multiple interpretations. This student can be either be very lazy and just depended everything on his/her father on all these things OR this student has pretty decent grades/SAT and a strong resume but is stunned by the rejection.
When it comes to applying to colleges, the admission office considers everything; your overall GPA, family's income status, ethnicity, extracurricular activities, community service, teacher's recommendations, and so forth. An avg student can get into these prestigious colleges based on athletic scholarship as well, it looks good if you are the star of your basketball and won the nationals or whatever.
But eh..doesn't matter what college you get in to. Go to the one that offers THE most benefits of fin. aid and lowest tutition. I always admire this girl, she worked very hard for two years at a CUNY college and transfered to Yale in her second year. If you do exceptionally well in your first/second year, you can just transfer. Make sure your credits can be transfered by discussing it with your advisor.
This is a little messed up. 30years and on the board of admissions should have ALOT of influence and other connections to get someone in..then again there are probably other factors that we may not know.
Maybe your not a good enough student???? I hate people that use their "connections" when all the rest of us don't have it!!!!! Your life is not that bad gosh!!!
#61 - On 03/16/2009 at 4:33pm by blahnoopoo
he probably didn't let you in to be fair to the other people who applied to the school.
i think he probably didn't want to be subconsciously playing favorites, so he judged you a bit more harshly and critically than other people who applied.
but seriously, did you expect you would get in just cuz your dad was on the admissions board?
#63 - On 03/16/2009 at 4:45pm by rosellie
Good luck at WSU.
But seriously, I know some great students who have been rejected from UW. It's a weird place admission-wise.
you're an idiot for just expecting to get in.
and you're an idiot because even with all hook-up, you still couldn't get in. loser.
That must suck.
But if you're stupid, then you're stupid.
Well, maybe not stupid. Just not...smart?
#71 - On 03/16/2009 at 6:25pm by gross__
Did you just not meet their standards? Because daddy can't fix that. It's unfortunate for you, but if you have a shitty record, you have a shitty record. Best of luck, especially if University of Washington was one of your top choices.
Now, if you were a stellar student by all means of the word, that REALLY blows. Just because you were rejected. Not because of your dad.
#72 - On 03/16/2009 at 6:48pm by Minstrels
Damn. That school isn't even hard to get into. You must be really stupid if you got rejected with nepotism on your side. Either you're adopted, or intelligence skips a generation.
i think you need to pull the silver spoon out your but and apply yourself. This is of course coming from the king of the slackers; plus those extracurriculars you probably never bothered with are what killed you i suggest you just transfer in later you know if you smart.
In the state of Washington, its a rule that colleges cannot give applicants an advantage based off of if they are a legacy or even if a parent of the applicant works at the college. It's in order to give everyone an equal opportunity, and you know if you get in, you got in because you worked hard and not because of your connections.
i went to my college counselor today and we talked about this :)
don't worry i'm sure you got into other colleges as well!
In the state of Washington, its a rule that colleges cannot give applicants an advantage based off of if they are a legacy or even if a parent of the applicant works at the college. It's in order to give everyone an equal opportunity, and you know if you get in, you got in because you worked hard and not because of your connections.
i went to my college counselor today and we talked about this :)
don't worry i'm sure you got into other colleges as well!
Maybe you just weren't good enough to get in. Jesus christ, quit whining and apply to another college. Your dad being on the board of admissions should have nothing to do with it.
#82 - On 03/16/2009 at 7:58pm by rockandrollbf
It's cool man. I applied to University of Washington and got rejected too. But my dad wasn't a prof there. Guess it's not so cool after all...
Yeah...with so many ppl applying, it was extra competitive this year.
i applied and got accepted...
i think i'm pretty lucky...
Awwwww. Tell yourself they are cutting back admissions for budget cuts (:
#86 - On 03/16/2009 at 8:46pm by pinkpikachu
oh yuppp UW!!!!! My brother goes there, its hard to get in!
its okay Western is an equally good school
did you apply there?
#87 - On 03/16/2009 at 9:40pm by alexis2010
a more appropriate FML would be "i got accepted to university of washington and have been attending there for four years"
Sorry to hear about that!
Well, there are lots of other schools you can go to
#89 - On 03/16/2009 at 10:05pm by elmo_cog88
Welcome to the real world. It always smacks you in the face the first time.
#90 - On 03/16/2009 at 10:17pm by Lou_Briccant
i go to wwu, it's pretty rockin'. but i think no matter where you go the college experience is what you make it. i'm on one of my professors research teams and it's giving me pretty good experience in my major (cell bio).
#91 - On 03/16/2009 at 11:41pm by mysecondskin
It's really hard to get into UW lately. My best friend has been applying to transfer every quarter and has yet to get in. Gotta say though, you have nobody to blame but yourself.
There's always Wazzu, they'll accept just about anyone.
fuck what everyone else is saying
Your dad should be able to get you in EASILY
if any athletic coach can get a student into a college
then a person on the board of admissions should too
i would beat that fuckers ass if i was you
OUCH. That really sucks. Your dad probably tried to get you in though, but there's more to it than just that. UW is really hard to get into. It's been getting pickier and pickier these days. I'd love to go, though. Good luck with other schools :)
#96 - On 03/17/2009 at 12:44am by MackenzieB
wtf you post a FML every 5 minutes! the FML above this one is by you too!!!
#97 - On 03/17/2009 at 1:02am by paulinachka
Um yeah. Legacy doesn't matter unless you yourself have the academic background to support it. Stop acting like you deserved it because of daddy. Plenty of other people without connections worked their butts off to get into UW and thus got the spots.
#99 - On 03/17/2009 at 5:52am by Ohdear1990
And, in response to #95, I go to EWU, but that reminds me of the joke:
What's the one thing WSU and UW students have in common? They both applied to UW.
#100 - On 03/17/2009 at 5:54am by Ohdear1990
#62 and #67, both Central and Eastern are possibly the biggest farces of education in the entire state, and I feel bad for all the paint thinner your moms drank when they were pregnant with the both of you.
Honestly dude, you got rejected from a state school pushing 50,000 kids. FYL, because you're obviously an idiot, not because your dad didn't get you in.
#101 - On 03/17/2009 at 8:38am by Tipsybeaver
Sucks that you didn't get in but were you expecting Daddy to pull you in?? Ugh, I'm glad he didn't. That's not fair for the students who are brilliant in academics and deserve to get in.
#102 - On 03/17/2009 at 10:21am by whatsarahsaid
well hell how are you in school?
cant expect your daddy to save you
#103 - On 03/17/2009 at 2:16pm by SimpleIdiot
Speaking as a univ professor- I have NEVER heard of academic staff having a say in undergrad admissions, ever. Your dad might be on some sort of advisory committee, but undergrad admissions are decided in the admissions office. Additionally, if your rather WERE in the capacity of an admissions "dean" or something comparable, he would have been legally required to recuse himself from a decision for you.
why would you even apply to UW in the first place?
bunch of stuck up pricks....
#107 - On 03/17/2009 at 6:57pm by knuckifyoubuck
"My kid is so dumb that I couldn't get him into a mediocre state school even with my ridiculous connections. Now I am the laughing stock of my colleagues. FML."
I don't see how that's an FML unless you're actually qualified for the school. If you'd barely graduated high school simply because "a D is passing," your father would be abusing his position to let you in.
#109 - On 03/17/2009 at 7:18pm by SilverBallet
I'm sorry that is a tough situation
If you really want to get back at him come to Evergreen...
and Major in Marijuananomics.
#111 - On 03/17/2009 at 10:01pm by Electra_cm
Well, I'm sorry you didn't get in, but I hope you weren't expecting special treatment because of your father's position!
no way!!!!!!!!
that must have been embarrassing just like what #1 said
#114 - On 03/17/2009 at 11:26pm by Chaos_Faction
Well, since it's a board decision there isn't much your father could have done to convince them if they wanted to reject you. That really puts a damper on the esteem, but I wouldn't let it get you down. There is a lot of other equally good colleges and universities out there! I'd try applying to as many as you can; any one that holds your interest even slightly. You're bound to get in then. If not, you could always just... pull an Accepted move, if you've seen that movie.
Good luck!
Wow you were really relying on your dad to get you in to college? How can you say f your life for that? You're being a child.
#116 - On 03/18/2009 at 2:37am by sneakymonkey
Well, you could just go to a Community college and transfer in later. I wouldn't get my hopes up though, UW has some budget cuts and last time I've heard, they're letting less and less people in due to the lower budgets. UW is already pretty crowded anyhow and I think it's a good thing they're letting less people in.
But good luck though.
#118 - On 03/18/2009 at 8:22pm by Economysucks
so what. you expected to get in just because daddy works their ...u didnt fit wat they wanted and were judged the same exact way they judge the others ...
Wow, your dad must be really disappointed that you didn't do well in high school and assumed you would just get into his school.
I like how everyone think the OP is stupid because s/he didn't get into a good university. One can have great grades and GPA, but will get rejected from one good college. So far at my school people have been rejected from good schools while still getting into great ones.
#125 - On 03/20/2009 at 4:08am by seitosilver
I agree with #2. I was going to say basically the same thing. Your dad could get fired for nepotism if the school decides a stronger candidate was rejected in favor of you. I am sorry you didn't get in, but someday I bet you will realize that it is a blessing that you didn't get in.
#126 - On 03/20/2009 at 9:56am by 1st_time_caller_
bwahahahahahahaaaaaaa FAIL
(and it's not even that good of a school...) DOUBLE FAIL x'2
RETARD!!! YOU EVEN HAD AN IN!!!
#127 - On 03/20/2009 at 11:25am by thekreeperkeeper
okay okay... I was j/k but still, it would be a conflict of interest... I don't think they would call it that, but essentially, yes... if the school thought you were picked for that reason, and someone more fit for their school was rejected, your daddy'd be out of a job.
#128 - On 03/20/2009 at 11:29am by thekreeperkeeper
They're not accepting any new students to the UW Seattle campus right now. Tons of students that were hoping to get in are going to the local community colleges. Buck up and apply to UW Bothell or Tacoma.
well just because he's on the board doesn't mean he overrides it. and plus, they probably get thousands of applications every single year around the same few months, so i doubt it if he even saw your application. even if he did, like people have said before me, it's a board decision, not his. so dont think you're entitled admission just because your father works there.
but in any case... turned down for a college application is still pretty hurtful lol. not an FML tho.
Big deal, your grades/SATs/extracurricular didn't match the level of GWU's so too bad for you. Maybe you should have asked your father for help in deciding what type of essay to write/your chances of getting in.
I got into UW. That would've been intense meeting someone that wrote on this site in person... dang too bad.
#133 - On 03/22/2009 at 9:11pm by anand_eats
uhh u think that just because your dad is on the board of admissions that you can slack off and think u can still make it?
#135 - On 03/24/2009 at 6:10pm by mattiscool
Ya....i was accepted into UW along with WWU ha, sucks.
#136 - On 03/27/2009 at 1:04am by Xtreme_Climber
OMG! I go there!! Not that it helps at all.....
The point I had planned on making, however, is that UW is going to be going through a bunch of budget cuts from the state and such, due to the economic crisis we're in. It was even in our paper, that they're rejecting a lot of people now, a lot more than they normally do, so you're definitely not alone. And don't think less of yourself at all because of this!! It's happening to a lot of people!! Good luck with applications, and when you get to it, admissions!
#139 - On 04/02/2009 at 12:17am by FullOfFail
I voted YDI
u think that just because your dad is on the board of addmissions that you can get in?
Even if he wanted you in there are the other people who need to decide to let you in!
You can't just say that your dad is there so you can get in no matter how smart you are...
#140 - On 04/04/2009 at 7:24pm by MizzHollywood
that sucks but you probably could have done better in high school
#142 - On 04/16/2009 at 4:44pm by TheDoctorPhil
If you were expecting to be accepted because your dad is on the board of admissions, you need a reality check and you totally deserved this.
#143 - On 04/17/2009 at 8:35pm by Sakura_Haruno
WHAT A SHITY KID YOU ARE WHAT DID YOU DO TO PISS OFF YOUR DAD
#145 - On 04/20/2009 at 4:46pm by SUE_the_asshole
Wow....I have recently applied to PLU, Linfield, UPS, and Gonzaga...and I got into all of them. What is wrong with you that you,
1) Wanted to go to UW
2) Managed to be rejected
3) Thought you should blame it on your dad
No offense, but I doubt your dad really had as much of a say in it as you think he did. You can't just rely on your connections. If you didn't get it, it was probably because you weren't up to par. Sorry.
How are so many people voting FYL? You totally deserved it if you couldn't get in despite the fact that your dad is on the board of admissions.
#149 - On 05/12/2009 at 11:33am by PohTayToez
If you got rejected, then your rejected. Don't think you'd had higher chance to be accepted just because your father works there.
#150 - On 05/18/2009 at 3:00pm by Sucks2beYouxD
Wow #108... just because UW is a state school doesn't mean it's mediocre. UW consistently ranks high nationally and is extremely competitive, especially with the recent budget cuts.
I go to WWU, and it's great. The classes are smaller so you can actually get to know your profs. And besides, the school you get your undergrad degree from doesn't really matter. Better to go to a smaller school and get more hands-on experience so when you apply to grad schools or get out into the real world, you have more to put on your resume. Good luck!
Maybe you just weren't qualified? Ever thought of that?
#152 - On 05/22/2009 at 11:19am by wrestler17
Thats why you didnt get accepted its probably school policy you cant pull in family, kinda like dating professors
#153 - On 05/25/2009 at 11:50am by FML_2x_w_a_brick
Whoever says they wouldn't be upset and/or pissed off if they were in the OP's exact situation is a bigfatliar.
My dad having worked at many universities and colleges along the East Coast, and a dean or administrator at most of them, I could have gone to every single one of those schools if I wanted to. School administrations are ALL about politics. If your parent works at a school and is well-liked and has friends in certain positions or on certain boards with power, you would be accepted.
#154 - On 05/27/2009 at 12:30am by suckitlife
I go to the University of Washington. Don't expect a free ride, its you're fault. Work hard and transfer if you want it so bad.
and so? it doesn't mean you have to get in that school.
fyl. it's not an fml.
there are other unis to go to
In my opinion it is FML only when your father would have voted against you, rejected you. But nevertheless, what a pity.
YOU ARE THE REASON WHY HARDER WORKING PEOPLE LOSE OUT
#158 - On 06/12/2009 at 11:37pm by xstaticdelta
That sux good luck geeting into another btw I'd go on strike with ur dad If I was u
#160 - On 06/18/2009 at 8:53am by smartsportsbabe
did you honestly expect your daddy to get you into college?
stop fucking complaining.
#162 - On 06/26/2009 at 12:58pm by guitar_love_3994
its called wsu, they were my back up. but I got in. your dad has a rep to keep man
#165 - On 07/31/2009 at 10:53pm by airbearxoxo
Your dad being on the board of admissions has got nothing to do with whether you get in or not. Getting into uni by pulling strings is disgusting.
WTF does you dad have to do with your college acceptance? Just because your dad works there doesn't mean you have the same brilliance like him.
YOU DESERVED THAT! expecting your dad to pull strings and let you in
#168 - On 08/11/2009 at 10:05pm by oliveolive
1. Your dad being on the board shouldn't have affected you getting in.
2. If if didn't and he wantd you to get in, but couldn't affect it, he must have been really embarassed.
3. I agree with those comments saying that he didn't want to look like he was pulling the strings...parents often do get a little freaked out trying to look impartial. it often makes things worse.
Just because he is on the board doesn't mean you are guaranteed to get in, and you shouldn't have been relying on that. It's a board decision, not just his. Even if he wanted to get you in, he could have beem outnumbered by teh rest of the board
YDI for thinking and relying your way into a university just cause your dad works there. You probably didn't even have proper grades.
So?Ever think that your grades aren't good enough?
I rarely say YDI,but YDI for thinking that you can get in just because your dad is on the board of admissions.If I was your dad I'd be majorly embarrassed,being a distinguished professor for 30 years,and yet producing a daughter whose grades are not up to the standard.
#175 - On 10/30/2009 at 1:47pm by alpha_beta
wtf does that have to do with anything??? cuz daddy got connections you think u have more of a right to be there than anyone else? I'm GLAD u got rejected, arrogant b****.
