<p>whatiscollege,
I think the person sitting next to you showed NO class. Showing the letter is a lot more personal -- & a lot more reminiscent of someone else's rejection or waitlist letter -- than even a piece of clothing. After all, people do buy Ivy clothing online & through various suppliers, right & left.</p>
<p>On the other hand, I see no reason to hide or apologize for one's acceptance. I know it's VERY tough for friends & classmates who got different news, to the same college. My D was in that situation, when her equal was not accepted. Things were kind of strained for awhile, though my D is no braggart.</p>
<p>As to the clothing, though, I think the tradition at my D's school is nice. At some point later in the year -- toward the end -- they let them all wear their new college sweatshirts, if they have them. It's fine: I don't hear any grumbling or bad feelings, because by that time, almost everyone has been accepted to at least one desirable college & they've made peace with that. People who don't have sweatshirts yet (I think mine didn't) just wear the school's colors.</p>
<p>Heck, just getting accepted to any college these days seems like an expedition. People should feel proud that they finished the process & lived through it all.</p>