In a legal battle that has garnered attention, a 21-year-old Form 6 student has taken an international boarding school in Negeri Sembilan to court, along with four other defendants, alleging that improperly-made recommendation letters led to his rejection by 15 prestigious universities in the United States.
Rejected by top US universities over recommendation letter mistakes
The student, a resident of Taman Seputeh, Kuala Lumpur, filed a writ of summons at the Kuala Lumpur High Court on January 3, claiming that the recommendation letter debacle resulted in rejections from renowned institutions such as Harvard, Stanford, and Yale in March of the previous year.
What Went Wrong: Negligence & violation of US university rules
According to documents obtained by Malaysiakini, the aspiring student asserted that the defendants failed to ensure that the recommendation letters were signed by teachers who had personal interactions with him during his studies at the boarding school.
This, he argued, violated the requirements of multiple US universities that mandate qualified individuals and legal employees to sign off on applicants’ recommendation letters.
Unethical practices: Copying & pasting used in recommendation letters
The student, a scholarship holder, further alleged a breach of contract on the part of the defendants for not providing adequate assistance for his admission bids and allowing unethical practices, including copying and pasting a standardised template as content for recommendation letters.
Having successfully secured admission to only three other US universities – Washington University, University of California in San Diego, and University of California in Davis – which did not require recommendation letters, the student contended that the defendants’ negligence jeopardised his future career opportunities and potential income.
Lawsuit details & relief sought
In seeking multiple reliefs, including general, aggravated exemplary, and special damages, the family of the student has also requested declarations that the defendants breached contracts and committed negligence.
Additionally, they seek a mandatory injunction compelling the defendants to prepare and deliver a written statement to the US universities, explaining and admitting to the alleged mistakes and negligence.
On January 12, the five defendants entered appearance in the lawsuit through their counsel from the law firm Azman Davidson & Co, while the family is being represented by counsel Marcus Lee.
