How formal are you supposed to be with admissions offices? Forum

[TigerBeer]

I am probably trippin out way more than I should about this, but I gotta ask anyway. I've been accepted to a T10 and will be attending. In email correspondence with their admissions office I've been addressing people by their first name, rather than [Title] [Last Name]. I didn't think anything of it since at my old job it was expected for me to address everyone by their first names, even presidents of large companies 30 years my senior. It just occurred to me that this might come off as rude to titled people in admissions who are used to applicants bending over for them.

Any opinions?

[im_blue]

You should definitely use titles like Mr, Ms, Dean, Asst Dean, etc.

[TigerBeer]

You should definitely use titles like Mr, Ms, Dean, Asst Dean, etc.

Damn, that's not good . Well, I'm already accepted so I'm guessing that's not going to change, but I'm certainly not out to make any enemies before I even get to the damn school

[Kohinoor]

--ImageRemoved--

[TigerBeer]

That smug motherfucker....

[Mroberts3]

If you are already in, I can't imagine that it would have any impact. I tend to use titles for a first contact (esp if it goes to a generic admissions email address), but use first names if that is how their response is phrased.

FWIW I think the title in an email is less important that the tone of said email. Using a first name can come across as rude or presumptive if what follows can be seen that way. If your correspondence is pleasant and charming, then a first name will only reinforce that positive connection in their mind. Most likely, considering the total admissions email volume, they don't really notice that much.

[im_blue]

You should definitely use titles like Mr, Ms, Dean, Asst Dean, etc.

Damn, that's not good . Well, I'm already accepted so I'm guessing that's not going to change, but I'm certainly not out to make any enemies before I even get to the damn school

The addressing convention I've seen at universities is that professors want to be called by their title (Prof.), except by grad students, who are on a first-name basis because they're colleagues in the same research group. So I think law professors expect to be called Prof. by their students.

[TigerBeer]

If you are already in, I can't imagine that it would have any impact. I tend to use titles for a first contact (esp if it goes to a generic admissions email address), but use first names if that is how their response is phrased.

FWIW I think the title in an email is less important that the tone of said email. Using a first name can come across as rude or presumptive if what follows can be seen that way. If your correspondence is pleasant and charming, then a first name will only reinforce that positive connection in their mind. Most likely, considering the total admissions email volume, they don't really notice that much.

Thanks, this makes me feel a bit better. The content of the emails are polite and semi-formal. Rationally I realize it probably won't hurt me in any way, but I've become a less rational and more neurotic person ever since I started applying to law school.

[guyincognito]

you should be adequately formal.

[OGR3]

I was on a first name basis with nearly all of my college's administrators, but my case was relatively unique.

I use title last name in every email unless specifically told not to by the administrator. Who knows, catch someone on a bad day with that informality and it could cost you some scholarship money....

[runn3rs]

I would never do it with professors, but I think you might be okay with administrators.

[twopoodles]

In any email correspondence, I reply however they signed it, but if I am initiating the contact I usually use title/last name. ALTHOUGH, I have been emailing the admissions people with first names now that you point it out! Eh, oh well.

[tomhobbes]

If they sign their emails with just their first name, I think it's okay to address them by it.

[FunkyJD]

I treat my applications as if I were applying for jobs, and am appropriately formal. If invited to use a first name, do so.

[Borhas]

use thou, thine, etc

[Generic20101L]

It makes me sad that you can get into a top 10 but don't know how to act.

[Miznitic]

You're in. They are not going to rescind your acceptance because you used their first name. At most, they may remember you as that guy. I always addressed the dean as Tom when I was in Florida, or Dr. Tom if I was feeling particularly snarky.

[pleasetryagain]

It makes me sad that you can get into a top 10 but don't know how to act.

lol.. harsh.

[adameus]

I referred to Josh Rubenstein (Addmissions dean at Harvard) as Josh during my phone interview. I think mainly because he is only a couple of years older than I am. It didn't hurt me as I did end up with an offer. I was a bit worried about it after the call though.