Dear Harvard University Admissions,

I want to take this time to accept Harvard’s implicit apology. I know that you were inundated with early applications this year and perhaps there was confusion at the time of my deferral and wait listing, and I want to let you know that it’s okay, I understand. In the heat of the admission process, it’s understandable that my application was overlooked. Sure I didn’t win first place at the Google Science Fair, or build an aqueduct to bring water to remote countries in Africa. You gave the first spots to those kids, and I get it. So I understand why I was deferred.

I remained hopeful for a regular decision acceptance, but I have landed on the wait list. Though I did not anticipate this, I would like you to know that I harbor no ill feelings.

Harvard remains my first choice for college and, if offered a letter of acceptance, I would most definitely enroll for Fall 2015.

I think there has been an underrepresentation of the true Audrey Mustoe. I’m so much more than a piece of paper! What I wish to convey is that everything I plan to take with me from the university, I will give back tenfold. I think a fulfilling college experience doesn’t depend solely on the prestige of the professors or the number of NCAA basketball championships that are won. It has to do with the relationships that are forged there. I guarantee I would be one of the most enthusiastic, approachable and kind people on campus. I’ve been voted “Most Considerate”, “Most inspirational” and received numerous coach’s awards. I think my friends can attest to my caring ways and my ability to make others feel included and important. I would be a key member of study groups and eventually an insightful peer advisor and mentor and lifelong friend.

As Maya Angelou said, “I will often forget what someone said, what someone did, but I will never forget how they made me feel.” I know how to treat people with respect and kindness. I’m very sensitive to how others feel, and pay close attention to my impact on them. I try to live my life by “doing unto others.” I know that my pleasant behavior might not always be reciprocated, but that doesn’t faze me.

I really hope you can recognize these qualities in me, and realize that my spirit can bring so much more than another Nobel Prize (though don’t count me out for that either!). I know I have what it takes to be a standout Harvard student, but I would really like to attend Harvard to prove it to you.

Thank you for your ongoing consideration.

Sincerely, Audrey Mustoe