So I recently found out that all of my closes friends got accepted to one of their top choice schools, and I have yet to hear from my schools. I hate to say it, but I feel really resentful that they got into really good schools, especially since I think I’ll get rejected from my first choice. How do I stay calm before decisions come out (I start getting them next week), how do I feel genuinely happy for my friends’ success, and how do I get over my feelings of self-doubt?
Nobody here can do that for you. Just know that if you applied wisely to a mix of reach, match, and safety school that you would be happy to attend that you should be fine. And you should be happy for your friends – their success has no bearing on your own outcomes.
The secret is, that in about 6 months the whole college application process shall be but a faint memory in the minds of most. Another key aspect might be to not pin your hopes on one college. I’m rather ambivalent about all of my colleges, in that I’m not neccessarily riled up about any one in particular. So when I’ve been rejected or waitlisted by colleges such as UChicago, it has a slight sting before nothing.
Embrace the reality that you could not be good enough, realize you can get rejected, and move on. Rejoice for your friends who were.
I’m likely to get blown out on Ivy Day. Is this a sad proposal? Perhaps, I did squander money and precious time. Will I care outside of 5 minutes? Likely not!
It’s normal to be envious of others, even your friends. I like the post above. You are going to laugh at how stressed out you were, when you are at your college and you realize you’re happy about it. Meanwhile, until decisions come out, why don’t you organize some fun event you can look forward to in June? Go see a concert or sporting event with friends, or plan to do something you haven’t had a chance to do all school year. Good luck, you will get through it.