Commisserate here: Rejections...HS Class of 2008

<p>AlwaysaMom,</p>

<p>Thank you for posting this message from Dr. H. It takes class to admit an error and to pledge to fixing it himself(the buck does stop there!). As I said before,this does not truly reflect the image and culture that my family has experienced this year at OCU.</p>

<p>Luck to all,</p>

<p>MikksMom</p>

<p>I also appreciate that this was brought to Dr. H's attention as I am confident he'd want to know how many perceived the letter so that he can make changes that may be needed. Feedback can make a difference. I am sure a quality program will care about this type of PR. Again, I don't think the letter is a reflection on this very fine program. Still, I think it is good that they are made aware of what people are thinking so that they can correct things as necessary.</p>

<p>Well, our Otterbein letter today was a thanks, but no thanks. Too bad.</p>

<p>Ours was a rejection as well. But a very nicely worded and encouraging one!!!</p>

<p>Happy and AZ - my condolences to you and/or your children. I really really do believe though these kids will end up exactly where they belong and in the end all will work out. Big hugs though because I know these rejections aren't easy to take.</p>

<p>
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I don't see the big problem with OCU's letter. Essentially, that's why students don't get in: they're not good enough.

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</p>

<p>The problem is this kind of letter insinuates that those who do get in are good enough, and we know that (my own guess here... someone please correct me if I'm wrong) no program has 100% graduation rate. While some schools show this through formal cuts, many others will 'redirect' students after a year or two, who don't meet the schools' expectations for continuing on the track they're on. Sometimes, it's by telling a student they are better suited for a BA track (if they're in a BFA one), or better suited for a tract that just focuses on their strongest suit (dance, vocal or acting). These students don't see it come out of nowhere... they've been given ample opportunity to step it up a notch, seek out additional help, etc. But my point is, no school is 100% accurate in predicting who will succeed in their program, much less who will succeed in the business. This letter implies more than just acceptance to a school. My bet is that there are professional performers out there who were intially rejected from OCU, who went through another schools' programs, and who are successful at what they do.</p>

<p>Found out I was rejected from Michigan and Ithaca today. Wow what a crappy feeling. I just have this feeling I'm not getting in anywhere. I'm not trying to be pessimistic, it's just what I honestly think.</p>

<p>Try to hang in there SeeImSmiling. Sorry about the rejections -- two in one day is pretty hard to swallow. My D got 2 in one week and we felt terrible too. If there's any advice I can give you, that is to hang on. This is our first experience with this and everyone on CC says that you can't predict doom when something like this happens. Other schools will find your individuality a fit. I know it's hard to believe after receiving those letters today ... but there really is something wonderful ahead for you.</p>

<p>Try and focus on the good. Sorry about that. we haven't heard anything yet but didn't do those 2 schools. Hang in there..everyone knows how you feel!!</p>

<p>Soozievt I sent you a question on pm but it won't go through?</p>

<p>First, let me say that I am very impressed that Dr. Herendeen at OCU would take the time out to address the issue of the way the rejection letter was worded when he is in the middle of a family situation of some kind. I think that definitely speaks volumes about the <em>real</em> attitude of OCU. So kudos to Dr. H.
Second, I would urge everyone here who is dealing with the sting and hurt of being passed over for a particular program to read (several times, if necessary!) posts by soozievt and teriwtt above, because they are 100% right: there are many, many, many more talented kids auditioning for each program than each program can take, which means heck of a lot of really amazing kids with a lot of potential and skill being told "sorry, you are not a fit for our program." Not sure if this helps, but keep in mind, too, that the five minute or so glimpse that the auditors got of you on your audition day is just that: a glimpse. It's not all of you and depending on what kind of a day you were having, it may not even be an accurate snapshot of who you are and what you can do. Keep in mind, too, that auditions are an admittedly imperfect way to put together a class. It's hard for the auditors to tell through an audition who is a hard worker, who won't give up, etc. Those things are only proven over time. That said, however imperfect auditions are, they are the best and only tool that colleges have to build a class. All you guys can do -- all you did and could do -- was to go in there each and every time and do your best, and trust that, next year at this time, you will be in college somewhere, working hard and learning and being happy. (Gosh, I am such a mom! Forgive the mom-like rant. I am just so proud of all the kids and the parents on this board. You all amaze me. You really do.)
~ emotional NMR :)</p>

<p>Well said as usual NMR. You kids are just so lucky to have parents that love you and believe in you! We are proud of all of you.</p>

<p>Poohie...I can't keep up with clearing out the PM box and prefer emails. That said, I can't truly answer all the individual emails that get sent to me every day by CC members. I try hard to volunteer on the forums frequently to reach many at one time but can't always ALSO volunteer on individual cases as there just is not enough hours in the day when I have to help those who are my advisees. You can try an email if there is a quick question, but I can't promise to answer all emails.</p>

<p>I am so glad Dr. Herendeen has taken the time to send a comment to the forum about OCU's wording. He is a very dynamic yet kind man who's personality if reflected in the program at OCU, despite the wording the letter.</p>

<p>No biggie. Just thanking you for your comments and help!! I figured others find you as valuable as I!! Thanks for keeping us all informed and focused on what matters.</p>

<p>Sorry that above comment was an answer to Soozievt. Thanks for your guidance and support!</p>

<p>Thank you, Poohie. CC is a very helpful and supportive and informative environment. I have learned lots from others and have enjoyed their friendship over common interests. I try to help as much as I can, as well. </p>

<p>I'm also a mom and have been through college admissions twice with my own daughters, one who applied to some of the most competitive colleges in the land and one who applied to some of the most competitive BFA in MT programs in the land (neither have taken an "easy" path!!). I know it is hard for you guys to wait but it is all part of the process. In my view, if a student has a well balanced list that is appropriate for them, they will get in SOMEwhere even if that is not yet known. As NMR mentioned, a kid can only go to one school anyway and it is not a contest to see how many you can get in. Having a choice is definitely a nice thing, however. Getting into a favorite school is an extra special cherry on top. But most kids can thrive and be happy at many different schools and I promise that most kids are gonna land SOME place next year and things turn out OK. It is rare to have NO acceptances and if someone has NO acceptances, then their list was not a realistic or well balanced one. But most kids do land some place. Waiting is part of the process. It really is not much longer....a few weeks at most. Things work out somehow. They truly do. </p>

<p>Ya know, I'm a parent going through all this again this year (on top of the students whom I advise and really care about their outcomes too....it is like having lots of kids!!!). My oldest child is going through the whole thing again for graduate schools.....Architecture School. It reminds me of the BFA process a bunch. Her list is all highly competitive with very very low admit rates and a huge chunk of the admissions decision is a subjective artistic review....a portfolio. That counts the most and then the statement of purpose, letters of recommendation and lastly GREs and GPA. A lot of work went into the application and portfolio making process. My D is in the big wait. In her case, the decisions start coming out most likely in less than a week now and for the next few weeks. She has ten schools, each with very daunting odds. So, you know....I KNOW what you all are going through...been there, done that....doing it AGAIN! (not to mention the same angst with internships, jobs, casting IN college and summers). I must say that we do have excitement because while she is waiting for the results to start coming very soon, she unexpectedly heard earlier than we thought from one school with a phone call from the faculty last week to inform her that she is admitted! So, being in already at a top program in her field, sooner than we were expecting, surely takes the edge off. If it all ended now, she'd be happy to have this school to go to, but of course waits to hear from the nine others. </p>

<p>So, I know some of you guys DO have an acceptance in hand and so while it is hard to wait, rejoice in having that assurance and the edge taken off. I know my D feels very relieved now to start off with an acceptance (both my D's started off the college process with a deferral). I know some of you have no acceptances yet but truly, it doesn't matter what you have now...it only matters the final total results by April 1 and that you have a school that you get admitted to. You should hopefully like every school on your list or should not have applied to those schools. So think about it......it is very likely that at least one school will come through if you have the right list for you. Most will get many rejections along the way. It just is part of this very selective process and so realistically, you have to come to expect it as part of your results.</p>

<p>Lots of us got through this already....you will too! :D</p>

<p>Hang in there everyone! I understand that a lot of the schools this year have seen a record number of kids. Not only does this mean that the competition may have been tougher than ever, it also implies that schools will take their time to put their classes together. Remember, it only takes that one acceptance; those fortunate few kids who do get more than one yes, will only be able to attend one school, so some more slots will open up too!</p>

<p>Do not give up! There is no question that this is a really tough process, but in the end things do tend to work out :). Keep the faith, we are rooting for every single one of you!</p>

<p>Thanks for all you both said! We KNOW that , just hard to see. My S didn't get his first or second choice for athletics, but now, 2 years in he is doing well and grown up in so many ways. And the doing well part has nothing to do with athletics....he is finding that being a student athlete isn't all it's cracked up to be! So I know that my D will be fine. Especially when some very serious things have happened here in the South this week at colleges. Makes the waiting a true blessing. Blessings and strength to all :)</p>

<p>Big hugs to those getting new bad news. This too shall pass. </p>

<p>Soozie - Here we go again with perspective. Your daughter has put 4 years of investment - time and money - into her dream. Now going for graduate school. How much more scary is that than what we are going through. I am so happy for her and you that she has an acceptance. The relief must be beyond words. </p>

<p>I remember having a dream since I was 7 yrs old. For months I sat with the applications sitting on my desk. I couldn't even put my name on them. I couldn't apply and I couldn't write an essay. I waited till the very last minute when the application date was going to pass. I feared if I sent them in and got rejected my lifelong dream would be gone and I couldn't handle that. And a part of me just knew I'd be rejected. In some moment of lunacy and having a friend point out the obvious if I didn't try I absolutely wouldn't get in - I sent them in. I applied to 4 schools - accepted to 3. </p>

<p>The most valuable things we pursue in life often are the most scary. It just seems to be the way it is.</p>

<p>"Most will get many rejections along the way. It just is part of this very selective process and so realistically, you have to come to expect it as part of your results."</p>

<p>Soozie, I thought this was really well put...it's just a hard pill to swallow. We all need to realize that as your said, MOST will get MANY rejections and realistically, we need to EXPECT it. But, you are right, it is just PART of the process. Hopefully if we can keep it in this perspective; although it will sting, a rejection shouldn't be devastating. I think even the most talented kids will have to open a rejection letter from at least one college...but it is just part of the process, not the end result.</p>