2,500 Applicants Get False News of Acceptance to Fordham

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/12/13/education/2500-excited-applicants-get-news-from-fordham-youre-not-accepted-after-all.html?hpw&rref=education

The financial aid notice that Zoe Rankin received from Fordham University on Wednesday afternoon was unequivocal.
      

“Congratulations once again on your admission to Fordham University,” the email said in bold red letters.

      

They were priceless words for students like Ms. Rankin, a senior at Harley High School in Rochester, N.Y, who wanted to go to Fordham so much that she applied for early admission.

      

“She came running down the stairs, just jubilant,” her mother, Lise Kunkel, said. “We were thrilled.” 

      

The words came in a financial aid notice on Wednesday, two days before students were told to expect a decision. Blayr Davis, a senior at Walnut High School in Walnut, Calif., received it too.

      

“I was confused, but I was happy,” said Ms. Davis. “I was excited. It was cool.”

      

But it was a mistake.

      

Ms. Davis, 17, and Ms. Rankin, 18, had company. They were among about 2,500 early admission applicants who received financial aid notices that mistakenly told them they were admitted, the university said.