Blessings in the (Negative) Outcomes?

Parents Forum
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<p>I mostly just lurk on CC and scattered on various threads there are reassuring anecdotes from those who have been through the process previously about happiness after disappointments. I was wondering if a thread that could catch the eye of those looking for that type of hope right now might be useful. So, if you have a story of silver linings that you'd be willing to share, someone might appreciate it.</p>

<p>I'll start, even though it's not a great story and the final outcome isn't yet written. We live in the Midwest and both S and D had tunnel vision in the college search process to go far away. S did, 2 years ago. D's admissions outcomes this year were as good as could be expected--rejected only at her reach, which I would probably have subtly tried to discourage anyway--and got invited to a competition for programs for top students at the school that had been her first choice since her campus visits. Only 1% of accepted students were invited, so invitation without offer seemed no BD to me, but even as we were leaving the campus she was saying that if she wasn't offered a spot she thought she should rethink her options. You know where this is going--no offer. However, in rethinking her options, she is taking a hard look at our state flagship and noticing its advantages including more AP credit, programs closely aligned with her unusual career path interests, and lower COA even with merit aid elsewhere; I had told a friend that if it were anywhere other than our home state, it would be her slam-dunk choice. Now she may be realizing that. (I just hope I can keep her brother from giving her a hard time if she chooses to go there.)</p>

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<p>My oldest son is at our state flagship U. His younger brother, with stats that FAR exceed the average at the U, was not accepted there last year. We were baffled, and felt the same sucker punch that many of you feel right now. He is now at the honor's college of another state U with an excellent engineering program.</p>

<p>Here's the blessing: DS#2 has completely blossomed outside the shadow of big brother. New friends, activities, etc., etc. I KNOW that if he had ended up at his brother's school, he would have been hanging out (and having fun, etc.) with his brother's friends, and joining in some of their activities. At his own school, he has come into his own. Things happen for a reason.</p>