
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.
More Must-Reads from TIME
- Inside Elon Musk’s War on Washington
- Meet the 2025 Women of the Year
- Why Do More Young Adults Have Cancer?
- Colman Domingo Leads With Radical Love
- 11 New Books to Read in Februar
- How to Get Better at Doing Things Alone
- Cecily Strong on Goober the Clown
- Column: The Rise of America’s Broligarchy
Contact us at letters@time.com