This week, Johns Hopkins University sent 294 students an offer of admission…by mistake. What bothers me more than the mistake is the text of the apology.

Dear ______,

Earlier today, you may have received an email from us with the subject line: Embrace the YES!

Please note that this email was sent in error.

The decision posted on the decision site reflects the accurate result of your Early Decision application.

We regret this technical mistake and any confusion it may have caused.

Sincerely,
The Office of Undergraduate Admissions
The Johns Hopkins University

Johns Hopkins, that’s just embarrassing. You can do better than that.  You must do better than that.

I’ve written before that humans tend to forgive humans. But this apology should have reflected the same essay advice they give to students.

Mistakes are a lot more forgivable than half-hearted apologies are.