University Mistakenly Sends More Than 5,000 Acceptance Letters to Wrong Students

The State University of New York at Buffalo accidentally sent out acceptance letters to more than 5,000 applicants who had not yet made the cut.

The university apologized for the mistake on Friday, saying the “unfortunate error in communication” happened when an incorrect email list was generated from an applicant database. “The University at Buffalo sincerely regrets this error, as well as any stress it may have caused students and families who received the letters,” it said in a statement. “We know that this can be a stressful time for prospective students and their families.”

At least 5,100 applicants received the premature acceptance letters, NBC News reports. They were emailed an apology letter clearing up the mishap within a few hours after officials realized the error, the university said.

However, the university said the students affected by the mistake are still being considered for admission.