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I originally posted this at http://www.collegeconfidential.com/cgi-bin/discus/show.cgi?757/7977.

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Hi all,

My name is Sugi Ganeshananthan, and I'm with the Atlantic Monthly, where I work with James Fallows ("The Early-Decision Racket") and am helping with some college admissions coverage aimed at our November issue. I'd like to ask for your help with something I'm working on.

I am writing a short piece about "orphaned students"--students who look outstanding on paper, but who for one reason or another, didn't find a spot at any schools they applied to. I'm interested in how students get into that situation (poor luck, poor counseling and/or poor strategy?) and in what those students do afterwards to find spots for the fall.

It seems like Shanoyu might (unfortunately) fit into this category; I'd really like to talk to you and also to any others who feel they fit this definition. I know this is a sensitive topic, and I really appreciate any help or information I can get; I think it's well worth explaining, as it seems some kids are getting into this situation and more people would benefit from reading about how to get out of it. (For what it's worth, I graduated from high school five years ago myself.)

If you know of or have counselors, friends, siblings, etc. who faced this dilemma, I would be grateful for any references or suggestions. Thanks in advance for your assistance. I can be contacted via the e-mail/phone below.

Best,

Sugi Ganeshananthan
The Atlantic Monthly
202-266-5947
sugi@theatlantic.com