I just received this email from the reader I responded to in my August 21 entry. It’s good to see that she’s ready to face the application process with a renewed focus. I hope all of you will cross your fingers and wish her well as she prepares to apply again.

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IJ wrote:

“Hello Marquis,

Thanks so much for replying to my email. I had almost assumed that you wouldn’t reply to that email. The email was so vague! I felt that just after sending it to you. However, I have to say that I was more surprised to see you reply than not seeing the reply; not because you replied back but because you had given a reply that was out of the world – it was so good. I couldn’t believe that my mail was worth such an excellent reply. I have no words to thank you more. I do not know how many times I would have read your email till now.

I have been wanting to write this email since the day I saw your reply, but today, I had to do it first thing in the morning – I just saw the latest blog entry of your blog by DB. I completely agree with his opinion about you, and I had to let you know how thankful I am for your email and such deep thoughts.

A few updates at my side – I am taking my GMAT on 9th Sep. I would be applying to five schools. Stanford is the top choice of course and especially because alumni like you inspire me even more for Stanford. I usually do not give up, but that day when I wrote the email, I was quite desperate and heart broken to some extent after hearing that I am old for Stanford!

It is all past now. I am making a fresh start again and your email has made me think even thoroughly. And whatever bit of worries I had regarding age and this and that, they have all disappeared now. I am applying as a confident candidate. If I get through, I would certainly let you know as you would owe a part in that.

Above all, I am inspired by you.

Thanks

IJ”