<p>I'd like to know what school the op's calling 'second rate.'</p>
<p>As for the topic- I have no idea. Fortunately I didn't have to deal with that.</p>
<p>Well, since my top choice, both when applying as a freshman and a transfer, was a reach, I expected it. So I didn't really spend alot of time thinking about it. Freshman year was a bit harder, as I got rejected by all five of the schools I really wanted, but I took comfort in knowing that I was at least going to college, and getting the hell out of high school. The second time around was easier, as I still found myself with some great options.</p>
<p>In my case, my top choices were big financial stretches anyway, so it helped to tell myself "Well, that's a hard decision I won't have to make now!" I got rejected and wait-listed from places I'd honestly thought were matches or only slight reaches, so my self-esteem took a serious hit for a few weeks--and then I essentially said "screw it, I'm going to pick the affordable public school and make it AWESOME." So far, it's been working. :) I think the key is to just get really excited about wherever you decide to go, even if you aren't at first.</p>
<p>I was hella sad. Everyone in my AP English got into really good schools, and I was stuck at UCSC. which isnt that bad to begin with, just not "the one".</p>
<p>So i sucked it up, and transferred the **** out of there. Cal here I freaking come.</p>
<p>This was a year ago, btw.</p>
<p>After visiting and revisiting my 'first choice', I figured it wasn't for me. I'm content with my current decision, but am pretty sure that I'll fall in love with it soon enough. </p>
<p>when life give you lemons, you make lemonade :)</p>