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MIT Admissions Blunder

Jacqueline Giordano |
February 12, 2014 | 12:48 p.m. PST

Executive Producer

Imagine being admitted to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and then finding out that it was a mistake.

(MIT, Creative Commons)
(MIT, Creative Commons)

While the exact numbers are unclear, USA Today reported that this is exactly what happened to thousands of MIT hopefuls.

MIT was quick to apologize for the mishap, claiming that an email error occurred.

On Feb. 5, MIT admissions counselor Chris Peterson sent an email, regarding financial aid, to prospective students, as well as those admitted early.

According to Peterson, the crux of the problem lies in the fact that, a few days prior, he combined the email lists of these two distinct student groups.

As a result, the footer, which read, "You're on this list because you are admitted to MIT," was transposed onto all of the emails.

Peterson expressed regret for the "confusion/elation/frustration it [the email] must have engendered."

Reach Executive Producer Jackie Giordano here.



 

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