<p>I'm a lurker around here on CC. But, now that I've finished my 1st year in college, I wanted to assure all of the parents who have been recently bombarded with their kids' disappointments that your kids will realize as they get into their college years that they've ended up where they were meant to be. Everyone tries for the big name schools, but in the end, every student ends up where he or she was destined to be. I agonized over college admissions from junior high on. I had the grades, activities, and resume to apply to an Ivy. But, as I visited, I realized that the Ivies weren't for me. Many people were disappointed in me. Truth be told, I was disappointed in myself this time last year. But, I've come to see this year that I'm exactly where I should be. At a small liberal arts college, I've gotten so many opportunities and the personal attention I needed to develop my own goals. Don't dispare- there is a time for everything and every dream has its day. This time next year rejections won't even cross your mind anymore!
Best of Luck to everyone!</p>
<p>What a very timely thread. It is much needed here. Both my Ds went through a similar process for highschool=applications stress disappointment</p>
<p>The teachers always said, the kids end up where they should be...and where they will happy and they are right. Sure, sometimes both schools would have been good, but the "second" choice one seems to work out just fine for the kids.</p>
<p>So thank you for bringing some rational and timely thoughts!!!</p>
<p>You sound like my son, but he isn't at all disappointed in himself and loves the small LAC where he is so looking forward to attending in the fall. One good thing is that he has not lived in the states since 4 and most of his friends have gone to schools in Europe so he had no internal idea set about what an Ivy was or a big name school. He had no preconceived notions and knew just what he liked. He did visit and boy he found out right away where the matches were.</p>
<p>I so believe like you stated that there is a time for everything....and also that opportunities are nothing unless you make something of them. They can come anywhere, anyplace, anytime. Best of luck also!</p>
<p>Oh, Hanna, you are very wise for your years. Your maturity and self-awareness will bring you great happiness and success, that is clear! Thank you for sharing your words.</p>
<p>hannahg, it is wonderful to hear one year later that you are happy despite all your agonizing (since jr. high). </p>
<p>similar to iflyjets 4/18 post (i had noted it to share with my daughter) "...but I believe that we will wind up at pretty much the same place because we direct ourselves to that place instinctively, because we bring ourselves to the schools, not because the schools make us who we are..." it reminds us that the best is yet to come.</p>
<p>my daughters 3/29 post: "...whatever! i determine my future not any school, i just have to remember that. :) ..."</p>
<p>Ah great minds!
I salute you - you are a breath of fresh air</p>
<p>Wonderful post! Gives us hope that the disappointments will soon be a thing of the past as acceptance and comfort with the final decision take over. Thanks.</p>