How should I approach it...

<p>I was put on the wait-list. If I had to predict beforehand, I would have sadly seen this coming, but I tried to avoid that thought. The fact that over 4000 OOS applicants were accepted makes the pill that much harder to swallow, however. As many of you know, UVa was far and beyond my first choice. I tried to show this through multiple visits, Monroe Society, etc... I had the stats to get in (according to other accepted students stats and the ones Dean J posted) but I must've lacked something in my application (obviously lol). After a very very depressing night, I've come to terms with the wait-list... slightly. One of the worst parts is telling everyone who was waiting for my decision since Decemeber that I was waitlisted. Add the fact that my goal to be accepted, which I set in 8th grade, didn't come to fruition. But THE worst part is changing my belief that UVa is my top choice, which has been imbedded for 4 or 5 years now, or whether I should change that thought or not. When people ask me where I'm considering now (after saying UVa is my top choice for years now) I often cant control myself, but I digress. If you were me, how would you approach the upcoming weeks? Should I think of it as a rejection and move on, or stick with my original thoughts?</p>

<p>I wouldn’t think of it as a rejection. In 2009 UVA accepted 288 students off the waitlist. That is a great deal of kids…</p>

<p>I just have to ask. Did you spend a lot of time on your essays?</p>

<p>Look at all of your options after all your college decisions come in. Choose one, deposit and slowly you will see yourself at that school. After you get there engage yourself in that school’s community, academic environment, activities, etc. If after one full year of doing well and you still feel you want UVa, apply to transfer. But you must give your other option a year. It will all work out just fine. </p>

<p>I would not count on the waitlist. It could happen, I know it does, but it is a long shot. If it does then that is awesome! In the meantime, as hard and sad as it might be you need to move ahead with another college. By the way, I appreciate your sincere post and not saying anything about it being unfair. It shows a lot of maturity on your part. Others should heed this level of maturation on the UVa forum or they will find college life not as easy as a transition, especially at UVa. </p>

<p>All the best to you!</p>

<p>Here’s my two cents…first of all, go to school on Monday with your head held high. You have obviously accomplished a lot in your high school career and you should be very proud. Read Dean J’s blog from last Friday about the three lists. Now, look forward and not back. By all means, send the UVa admissions office a letter that tells them something about you that they may not have garnered from your application. Speak from your heart. Now, more importantly in my mind is to embrace your other choices. Go visit them in April when the weather is nice (it’s hard to get excited about ANY college when it is cold, wet and brown outside!). Talk to the students you see on campus. I’ll bet you find that they are very happy and excited to be there (assuming it isn’t too close to finals!). And, they are getting a great education! </p>

<p>Good luck to you as you make your choice. Wherever you decide to go, I have no doubt that it will be the best four years of your life so far!</p>