Do we reserve the right to be told why an application was denied?

Just got me thinking. One of my options withdrew my application after a few weeks, and didn't specify as to why. I sent an email to the admissions asking for a reason, so I know how to improve for next time in the near future, but I haven't got a reply yet.

Do we have a right to know why we were refused?

Original post by Joel 96

Just got me thinking. One of my options withdrew my application after a few weeks, and didn't specify as to why. I sent an email to the admissions asking for a reason, so I know how to improve for next time in the near future, but I haven't got a reply yet.

Do we have a right to know why we were refused?

On what basis would you have a right? Do you have an obligation to explain why you refuse to do anything?

Reply 2

Reality Check

22

Well you don't have a 'right' to be admitted, so I cannot logically see why you would have a 'right' to know why you were rejected. However, I imagine the majority of institutions would be happy to sketch out the main reasons for rejection upon request, as they don't have anything to hide about the application's process.

Reply 3

Fenneko

OP

20

Original post by threeportdrift

On what basis would you have a right? Do you have an obligation to explain why you refuse to do anything?

These institutions are maintained by taxpayer's money, right? If it was a private institution, then fine, they can do what they want, but it's not.

Reply 4

3121

21

Most universities will provide feedback. during the admissions process they have to be impartial and consider each application in context and fairly so they often take notes and document the process for internal evidence and to preserve the integrity of the process. You'll probably never see those documents because they have other people's details but admissions team can write up personalised feedback based on it at your request… thats only if they're willing

Original post by Joel 96

These institutions are maintained by taxpayer's money, right? If it was a private institution, then fine, they can do what they want, but it's not.

Only partly funded by public money. And they still have the right to make their own admissions decisions.

Reply 6

paulbarlow

14

it did not even get to a reject. they were probably over run with applications. its like some jobs they accept a set number of applications then cut off any more. yours would not have been filtered. the only other reason is you failed to meet their basic requirements in which case you did not enter their application process.

Reply 7

Fenneko

OP

20

Original post by threeportdrift

Only partly funded by public money. And they still have the right to make their own admissions decisions.

I just want to clarify, I'm not asking whether a current right exists, because I know it doesn't, but it is possible for the government to implement that right. Since it's possible, would you support it?

Reply 8

Bean sprout

8

Original post by threeportdrift

Only partly funded by public money. And they still have the right to make their own admissions decisions.

And we as the tax payers have the right to a transparent admissions system. What point are you even trying to make ?

Reply 9

999tigger

19

You dont have a right in law.

You can ask politely for feedback and if they have the time they will give you an indication of where the weaknesses were on your application.

They can be quite busy, but be patient or give them a call.

Btw its not you who would be reserving the right. Reserving is for someone who has the right in the first place.

(edited 7 years ago)

Reply 10

PQ

Clearing and Applications Advisor

21

Original post by Joel 96

I just want to clarify, I'm not asking whether a current right exists, because I know it doesn't, but it is possible for the government to implement that right. Since it's possible, would you support it?

UCAS Track will list a rejection reason.

Reply 11

Fenneko

OP

20

Original post by Bean sprout

What point are you even trying to make ?

That the public have a say in how public-funded services are run.

Reply 12

Fenneko

OP

20

Original post by PQ

UCAS Track will list a rejection reason.

They didn't.

"If you would like feedback about this decision, you should contact _____ University directly. Please note that in order to comply with data protection legislation, they may not be able to discuss this with anyone else other than you."

Reply 13

Bean sprout

8

Original post by Joel 96

That the public have a say in how public-funded services are run.

My comment wasn't directed at you.

Reply 14

Fenneko

OP

20

Original post by 999tigger

Btw its not you who would be reserving the right. Reserving is for someone who has the right in the first place.

Fair correction.

Reply 15

Fenneko

OP

20

Original post by Bean sprout

My comment wasn't directed at you.

Just realised, my mistake.

Reply 16

PQ

Clearing and Applications Advisor

21

Original post by Joel 96

They didn't.

"If you would like feedback about this decision, you should contact _____ University directly. Please note that in order to comply with data protection legislation, they may not be able to discuss this with anyone else other than you."

Then look for the university admissions policy for who to contact about feedback.

Reply 17

Fenneko

OP

20

Original post by PQ

Then look for the university admissions policy for who to contact about feedback.

Already have.
At the moment, it looks like they won't be responding. This is the reason I started this discussion in the first place. How am I supposed to improve my application if I don't know what's wrong with it?

Reply 18

CasperW

1

Original post by Joel 96

Already have.
At the moment, it looks like they won't be responding. This is the reason I started this discussion in the first place. How am I supposed to improve my application if I don't know what's wrong with it?

Which Uni is it out of interest?
They're probably receiving hundreds of emails regarding offers, requirements and other inquiries. Responding to people they haven't made offers to is probably lower priority right now, perhaps calling them would give you a better chance of getting a reason.

Reply 19

Fenneko

OP

20

Original post by CasperW

Which Uni is it out of interest?
They're probably receiving hundreds of emails regarding offers, requirements and other inquiries. Responding to people they haven't made offers to is probably lower priority right now, perhaps calling them would give you a better chance of getting a reason.

Since you asked, it's Falmouth.

Do we reserve the right to be told why an application was denied?

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