This thread is a reminder of why it is vitally important to help your kid find an alternative dream school. I know some kids really do have their heart set on Princeton or wherever early on, but it’s the parent’s job to gently and consistently remind them that Princeton isn’t the only place where they could be happy and help them find an alternative.
My son was deferred from his first choice, but now really loves two other schools where he is much more likely to get in. My daughter didn’t have a first choice, but was bummed when Stanford rejected her. (It was more a blow to her pride than her dreams.) I took her to buy a pretty dress for her graduation by way of consolation. Oh, and occasionally, when we refer to Stanford in this house (it’s DH’s alma mater), we call it [cuss word] Stanford. That helps.