I propose the b-schools adopt the following standard format for correspondence on admissions decisions/interviews/etc.
Template 1: Information session/On-campus event 1000s of miles away from youSubject: Waste of your time--do not read.
Dear Candidate,
Blah blah blah.
Sincerely,
School X
PS. Our filter for e-mailing specific demographics/regional candidates is terrible. Hope this doesn't sour your view of our program.
Template 2: Invitation to interviewSubject: We want you to interview
Dear Candidate,
See subject. Here's how to organize. Blah blah blah.
Sincerely,
School X
Template 3: AcceptanceSubject: You're in with $Y/year
Dear Candidate,
You rock. (Optional: Please accept this cheque to entice you.) We rock as much as you do, and then some.
Your best old buddies in the world,
Ad Com Chairman
Template 4: WaitlistSubject: You're waitlisted--Your odds are 60/40
Dear Candidate,
We might consider you. Here are your odds. We will notify you of our decision by X date. (Really.)
Sincerely,
Ad Com
Template 5: RejectionSubject: School X cannot accept (Your name)
Dear Candidate,
Here's a cheque for $20,000,000 to soothe your wounds. Sorry we couldn't admit you, but hope that this second-best option will give you some solace in this dark hour.
Sincerely,
Ad Com