Since the idea is to only apply to schools where you will be happy and have a chance of acceptance, I think you’ve done phenomenally with your acceptances and with your positive attitude! I look forward to a final recap and big reveal on your decision. /warmly
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Completely random but my best friend made me laugh so hard over slandering MassArt because “they don’t have dining halls it’s probably just a art exhibit” and “I’ll sneak you food from UMass, so you’re not a prune.” we’re just joking around, but honestly, it’s a reminder that things get better real fast. I’m grateful for her, even if she is going to MassArt. And I’m so excited for the future. /playful, and reflective
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So sorry about your disappointments but thrilled for you in terms of both your up beat attitude and having a great positive option that you are excited about. You will undoubtedly thrive regardless of where you land.
Way up thread you mentioned…
In hindsight do you regret being so forthright? I only ask this given your obvious altruism and numerous posters (and conventional wisdom) suggesting that such disclosures hurt applicants chances.
I know it would be hard to evaluate one factors influence but what would you (having experienced the process) suggest to future applicants regarding disclosing issues like ADHD, anxiety, eating disorders, etc?
Sincere/ and happy because you seem happy😀
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I personally mentioned it and have been accepted to amazing schools so if you feel it’s something admissions should know I would tell them if you are comfortable doing so
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Although I too would discourage any applicant from revealing psychological disabilities, let alone mental health issues, before putting down a deposit at a school, I think that the issue for this applicant was more that of a non-URM B+/A minus student with no test scores reaching very high, and having the very common experience of rejections. This student’s “hook” is the early and strong interest in health science research, inspired by her own health issues. She’s got a great acceptance in UMass honors with a supportive bio research program. Most of the people who get into the schools that rejected her have straight A’s in the most rigorous classes offered, stellar test scores, a string of 5’s on AP exams before senior year, and very impressive ECs. While she has a very good record, her reaches were long shots for her, so I’m not surprised at the outcome. I don’t think it would have been different had she not disclosed ADHD and NVLD.
A year or two ago, there was an applicant on here who had incredibly high stats (max GPA in most rigorous courses, perfect test scores, great ECs) who DID disclose high functioning autism, and got rejected everywhere - except at an extremely selective school outside the US that doesn’t have “holistic” admissions, just admits on GPA and test scores. In THAT case, the only explanation was the disclosure of the autism.
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I just woke up so braincells not functioning, but yes to everything you said. Plus, I’m already super content with UMass, so I’m just excited for what the future holds. /warmly
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just found out I got rejected from BU! Waiting to hear from Wesleyan and then I only have a few more schools left. /oh well not upset just vibing
Although Wesleyan is within ‘parental pick up and take you to an appointment’ distance of Children’s, I really do think that the opportunity that UMass is offering you is better, for your interests and future career goals, than that which Wesleyan might offer you, if you were to get in. That BioTAP program sounds as if you would just slide right into purposeful research. So no matter what you hear, it’s gonna be great.
I agree. I’m definitely not hyped about UMass yet, but I’m sure I will be come the summer. In the meantime, I’m really only waiting to hear from GWU, NYU, Wesleyan, Cornell, and Harvard (none of which I expect to remotely even get in). That being said, I’ll keep you guys updated on the rest of the process. /agreeing, thoughtful
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Oh, I think that you might very well get into GW. It’s only a bit more selective than UMass, and far less selective than UMass’ honors college. But it’s too far from Children’s. Plus the cost differential is probably not worth it, with what you’re being offered at UMass.
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Yeah, which means that we go back to square one with UMass being my only option (UVM is too far and too cold for my liking, thank you very much), and Northeastern we still haven’t heard from in terms of transfer. /sighing
It’s been a brutal admissions year for many students. At my son’s private college prep high school, there were students in the top 10% of the class who were denied at the state public university.
That being said, I know parents who did not want their kids applying to any schools that weren’t deemed “likely” for fear of rejection or disappointment. I have a friend who flat out lied about where her daughter was applying so nobody would know if there was a denial. It’s everybody’s right to decide how much to share, but this person was screaming the acceptances and college visits all over social media - and hiding the more competitive schools until decisions came in.
You aimed really high in your applications and you’ve been open about all your hopes and successes and disappointments. You may decide in the future not to share so much, and that’s fine. But the willingness to put yourself out there and deal with setbacks and disappointments is something that will serve you well in the future. However things turn out, you should be proud of your journey.
On another note, if you really want to pursue medical school, the in state public option may be truly your best bet. Save the college fund for future expenses. Give yourself the opportunity to shine in the honors program.
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thank you so much. i really appreciate it. and you know, everyone’s journey is different. i’m pretty sure my younger self still thinks i’m pretty damn cool for being in the honors program. that being said, I also really appreciate your advice about med school. and another reason I’m so open is that people see that even super ambitious kids don’t have everything turn out perfectly. but it all works out in the end. I’ll keep y’all updated! /warmly, grateful
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There is an excellent Children’s hospital in DC so perhaps care can be coordinated.
Well, in the meantime, I will be hyped for you. To me, UMass seems like the quintessential college experience. And then the consortium opportunities and honors college on top of that–and all this at in-state prices. I am super jealous of anyone who has UMass as their in-state option!
And another super fun thing is that it belongs to National Student Exchange. NSE is a consortium of ~200 schools. You can do up to a year of exchange at any of the other participating members, your credits transfer automatically, and best of all you only pay in-state prices, and any scholarships apply. Some really interesting schools participate including Cal Poly SLO, UGa, St. Olaf in Minnesota, U Hawaii, University of Montreal…
https://nse.org/exchange/colleges-universities/alpha-location/
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As interesting as that is, my care team has known me since I was gestures to practically the floor ye high, so. And plus, my rare disease- the kind that it is means that very few physicians or specialists know enough about it as my current specialist does. I appreciate it, though! /thoughtful, warmly
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jaw drop i did nOT know that- that’s really cool! well, UMass is wonderful, I think I’m just taking my time with falling in love with it. /appreciative, thoughtful
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And if you do end up continuing down the track of rare diseases, consider doing an exchange at the University of Minnesota. They have a terrific peds genetics department. Many rare genetic syndromes identified and named at UMN, many by the legendary Dr. Gorlin who was a professor when I was in medical school working in a peds genetics lab. Robert J. Gorlin - Wikipedia
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Have you visited UMass since you were admitted? If not, I’d encourage you to do so. It is so different to tour a school once you have been admitted – and promise, the hype will follow. I am very excited for your future self!
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I have not, but I’ll ask my parents about visiting soon! /warmly