<p>From the Washington Post:</p>
<p>Cute story. My oldest son could have written that same story. Sometimes we think we’ve found the perfect “fit”, so are disappointed when the school doesn’t agree. Eventually we come to realize that we can bloom wherever we’re planted.</p>
<p>This is the first of many rejections in life - the dream date, dream job ,etc. It is how we learn about ourselves as we grow and mature .</p>
<p>Dreaming about school - any school -is bizarre! Anyone else read “Jude the Obscure”?</p>
<p>That kid has a great sense of humor and a good outlook on life. I thought the bonfire idea was great. Our son has big dreams but his #1 choice also has 25% acceptance rate. We realize that, he knows that. If he gets in FANTASTIC, if not, he has 2 or 3 other schools he would be fine attending too. The school is a perfect fit for him, along with 25,000 other kids…</p>
<p>We had mixed feelings about our son and his dream school. His young age, wondering if he would handle the work, et al, although he would have had the motivation to succeed. We were lucky to have a good flagship that served him well with its Honors Program- similar to how the Marylander of the article found a good fit instate. </p>
<p>It is good to dream and reach for the stars, even when you settle for the moon or planets. The key is to be happy with the reality.</p>
<p>Can we have several dream schools? ^^</p>
<p>Most of my dreams about school are nightmares.</p>
<p>Mine, too - usually I’m back in school and trying to find the classroom where I have to take an exam in something I’ve never studied. <em>shudder</em>
Maybe for a lot of kids - but mine had a ballet teacher. 
Actually, rejections in high school and even earlier give a kid some idea that life will indeed go on after a college rejection.</p>
<p>A smart, self-aware essay - thanks for posting it, Marian. I’m going to try to remember it and refer kids and parents to it when final decisions are out.</p>