April 18, 1994
Mr. John T. Mongan
123 Main Street
Smalltown, California 94123-4567
Dear John:
You've got the grades. You've certainly got the PSAT scores.
And now you've got a letter from MIT. Maybe you're surprised.
Most students would be.
But you're not most students. And that's exactly why I urge
you to consider carefully one of the most selective universities in
America.
The level of potential reflected in your performance is a
powerful indicator that you might well be an excellent candidate
for MIT. It certainly got my attention!
Engineering's not for you? No problem. It may surprise you
to learn we offer more than 40 major fields of study, from
architecture to brain and cognitive sciences, from economics
(perhaps the best program in the country) to writing.
What? Of course, you don't want to be bored. Who does? Life
here is tough and demanding, but it's also fun. MIT students are
imaginative and creative - inside and outside the classroom.
You're interested in athletics? Great! MIT has more varsity
teams - 39 - than almost any other university, and a tremendous
intramural program so everybody can participate.
You think we're too expensive? Don't be too sure. We've got
surprises for you there, too.
Why not send the enclosed Information Request to find out more
about this unique institution? Why not do it right now?
Sincerely,
Michael C. Benhke Director of Admissions
P.S. If you'd like a copy of a fun-filled, fact-filled brochure,
Insight, just check the appropriate box on the form.
.................................................................
May 5, 1994
Michael C. Behnke
MIT Director of Admissions
Office of Admissions, Room 3-108
Cambridge MA 02139-4307
Dear Michael:
You've got the reputation. You've certainly got the
pomposity. And now you've got a letter from John Mongan. Maybe
you're surprised. Most universities would be.
But you're not most universities. And that's exactly why I
urge you to carefully consider one of the most selective students
in America, so selective that he will choose only one of the
thousands of accredited universities in the country.
The level of pomposity and lack of tact reflected in your
letter is a powerful indicator that your august institution might
well be a possibility for John Mongan's future education. It
certainly got my attention!
Don't want Bio-Chem students? No problem. It may surprise
you to learn that my interests cover over 400 fields of study, from
semantics to limnology, from object-oriented programming (perhaps
one of the youngest professionals in the country) to classical
piano.
What? Of course you don't want egotistical jerks. Who does?
I am self indulgent and over-confident, but I'm also amusing. John
Mongan is funny and amusing - whether you're laughing with him or
at him.
You're interested in athletes? Great! John Mongan has played
more sports - 47 - than almost any other student, including oddball
favorites such as Orienteering.
You think I can pay for your school? Don't be too sure. I've
got surprises for you there, too.
Why not send a guaranteed admission and full scholarship to
increase your chance of being selected by John Mongan? Why not do
it right now?
Sincerely,
John Mongan
P.S. If you'd like a copy of a fun-filled, fact-filled brochure,
John Mongan: What a Guy! just ask.