Emailing College Admissions: When and How to Inquire About Your Application Status

College admissions processes can be overwhelming, especially with tight deadlines and various required documents. It's important to know when and how to reach out for updates. While you should generally avoid emailing admissions officers for status updates, there are scenarios where it is appropriate to do so. This article outlines when and how to contact admissions with regard to your application status, including inquiries about your transcript and letters of recommendation.

When to Contact Admissions

Only email admissions if your application materials aren’t showing as received on your applicant portal. Admissions offices typically don’t have the time to respond to personalized emails from tens of thousands of applicants. If your materials are not reflected on the portal after a week of submission, it is advisable to send an email. This is a good reason not to procrastinate in submitting your materials.

Scenarios Where It's Appropriate to Email

It's appropriate to email someone from college to inquire about the status of your application and/or transcript request/letters of recommendation if you need to confirm the following:

You haven't received a confirmation email or notification following your application or transcript/letter request submission. You received a confirmation but the status still shows as incomplete or missing documents. You experienced a technical issue during submission, and are uncertain if it was successful. A deadline is approaching, and you want to ensure your application or transcript/letters of recommendation have been received and processed.

How to Write an Effective Email

If you decide to send an inquiry, follow these email etiquette tips:

Professional Email Address and Salutation

Use a professional email address that includes your name and is associated with your current school or institution. Address the recipient formally with a salutation like “Dear Admissions Office.”

Subject Line

Lead with a clear subject line that summarizes the purpose of your email, such as “Application Status Inquiry.”

Introduction

Introduce yourself briefly, mention the program and term you are applying for, and include your application ID number if applicable.

Body of the Email

Explain the reason for your email and politely request an update on the status of your application or transcript/letters of recommendation. Be clear, concise, and respectful in your tone, avoiding slang abbreviations and emoticons.

Attachments

Attach any relevant documents or screenshots, such as your confirmation email, transcript request receipt, and letters of recommendation request form.

Closing

End with a thank you and a simple closing, such as “Sincerely.”

Proofreading

Proofread your email before sending to ensure it is free of errors and typos.

Example Email

Subject: Application Status Inquiry

BODY:

Dear Admissions Office,

My name is John Smith and I am applying for the Bachelor of Science in Computer Science program for the Fall 2023 term. My application ID number is 123456789.

I submitted my online application on October 1st, 2023, and I received a confirmation email from your office. However, I have not received any notifications regarding the status of my transcript request and letters of recommendation.

I requested my official transcript from my high school on September 25th, 2023, and I asked two teachers to submit their letters of recommendation on September 30th, 2023.

I am writing to inquire if you have received my transcript and letters of recommendation, and if my application is complete and ready for review. I have attached copies of my confirmation email, transcript request receipt, and letters of recommendation request form for your reference.

I appreciate your time and attention to this matter. Please let me know if you need any additional information from me.

Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,

John Smith

123 456-7890

Additional Resources

To learn more about professional email etiquette, consider the following resources:

Professional Email Etiquette – Career Center at Tufts University How to Write an Email to a College Admissions Office: 3 Sample Emails 15 Ways to Write a Professional College Email