Awkward

Have you even been in the situation where someone is pursuing you, and you know that they really really want you, but you don't return their feelings, you don't want them, and thus are stuck in the uncomfortable situation of having to tell them the truth, knowing full well that you're going to break their heart? You know that feeling? I'm facing just such a situation -- with Northwestern Law.

Northwestern accepted me last year, but deferred me until Fall 2006, citing my need for "work experience." I would have said no and been done with them if it wasn't for the full ride they were also offering, should I accept. Wow. It's nice to be wanted.

I paid the nominal deposit and kept Northwestern on the backburner. After I came to Berkeley, I forgot I even had them on hold (I think it happened somewhere between the promissory estoppel in Contracts and the res judicata in CivPro).

Anyway, I was reminded suddenly one February morning when I received an email from the Northwestern Law APALSA welcoming me. Soon thereafter, a steady stream of emails about Admit Day, upcoming events, and even housing filled my inbox. Yikes, I thought... I should probably tell them what's up.

My guilt over forgetting about them was finally sealed when I received a FedEx package at home. When I opened it, I found this:















Holy Crap! The Northwestern Law admissions packet!















"It's so nice!" I thought. And for a split second (emphasis on the split), I considered going to Northwestern. Alas, my bonds of friendship and loyalty, not to mention my housing, financial aid, and faculty connections already had roots that ran deep to the heart of Boalt Hall.

So today, I mailed out the rejection form to Northwestern. I know that somewhere soon in Chicago, an admissions officer will be crying. But it's for the best. And maybe -- just maybe, we can still be friends.