WASHINGTON — Calling it a “sad sight” the President of Georgetown’s Rejected Students Program (GRSP) Andrea Friori (SFS’16) lamented the low attendance of last weekend’s Rejected Student’s Weekend.
At a press conference, Friori described the weekend as “a moment of soul searching for what our organization stands for.”
The program, founded in 1985, was designed to show students rejected in both the early decision and regular decision cycles about the numerous academic, extra-curricular, and employment opportunities which they will be unable to participate in for the next four years.
Attendance has been dropping off significantly in recent years despite the increase in funding and events sponsored by the university. “In all honesty our rejection rates have been climbing for some time and yet participation in these events has done the opposite,” said GRSP Media Director Ale Heyman (Col ’15). “It’s like the more we flyer and bombard these students about their rejection, the less likely they are to visit the Hilltop.”
Convocation speaker Father Kevin O’Brien depicted the opening ceremonies attendance as “bleak.” Speaking in Gaston Hall in front a banner which read “Congratulations Future Non-Hoyas! We’re So Happy We Can Rub This In,” O’Brien’s remarks were an impassioned speech of how unworthy these individuals were to be men and women for others.
“And I want to thank each and every one of you for coming out here so I can remind you that you are not worthy to devote yourself to a life of Jesuit ideals,” said O’Bien as he concluded his talks.
“Frankly, I was pretty impressed with this weekend,” said rejectee Samatha Burns. “They did a really nice job of reminding me of the different aspects of the university which I will be unable to participate in. This rejection is going to sting for a while.”
University officials described the need for reform for GRSP. “We’re running a little low on options at this point,” said GRSP Program Coordinator Aaron Johnson (MSB ’14). “We’ve attached invitations in each student’s rejection letter, left voicemails, as well as personalized flyers about why each student was rejected. I guess it’s time to think outside the box.”
Rejectees described a plethora of reasons about why they declined to attend this year’s event. “Frankly, times are getting tight. I don’t have time to visit every school which rejects me. It only makes fiscal sense to attend these kinds of weekends for schools which are close by,” said rejectee Frank Tholin over the phone.
Others described more prestigious rejectee weekends taking place at the same time. “Listen, Georgetown is great and all,” said rejectee Wanda Britten. “But frankly there are more important rejection events going on. I mean, I have to prioritize.”