Written by Siddharth Bal, a current student at the New Jersey Institute of Technology
When I reminisce about my pre-college days I immediately gravitate towards one memory that caused me the greatest amount of frustration: the application process. I was in the middle of November and the college application process had started months before; yet, I still hadn’t filed away my transcripts. I had just finished my last ACT exam and stagger home desperate to finish the process of filing my application to Purdue University. I had submitted all the necessary filings and felt satisfied; I was about to wake up to a very rude shock several weeks later.
Three weeks later I overhear my friend, Chris crying out in jubilation, “I got into my dream school; I’m going to be part of a tradition”. Immediately, I awaken from my afternoon lunch time drowsiness and I immediately bolt towards the school entry way. I take out my cell phone and immediately called the Purdue registrar’s office. I was placed on hold for what seemed like hours until an elderly women croaked, “how can I help you”. I asked hesitantly “My name is Siddharth Bal and my student ID number is 00158-32228”. She informs me that I have yet to be admitted into the university because of my parent’s tax information not being submitted to the bursar’s office. I instantly ruminated through my memory. I return home and head directly to my filing system where I keep all my necessary mementos.
I inform my parents of the recent news; my mom immediately fires back, “you obviously screwed up, you need to call the school immediately and call the bursar’s office first thing tomorrow”. I receive a loud ranting from my mother and was unable to eat anything that entire night; I trudged toward my bed and crawl underneath my blankets into a tightly held fetal position.
I awaken the next morning and I immediately call the bursars office. They informed me that the information was not sent with my application. I directly notify them that I did. They then direct me to the mailing services division and I speak with a crabby supervisor. She states “I can’t find your file information right now; leave a phone number and I will call you directly”. I end the conversation mentioning my number and slam the phone angrily after hearing the dial tone fade. I pace up and down my stairs for several minutes and then retire to my bedroom to stare into space for several hours. I eventually find myself asleep only to be awakened by the shrill call of the phone. I learned from the supervisor that part of my application was placed into the outgoing mail section and that the error was rectified with the necessary documents being sent to the bursar’s office.
Even in todays online based application environment you sometimes need to verify that the paper trail has gone to the right place!
