So I’ve been through a bit of a rough admissions season. I got into 2 match schools (1 of which is way too close to home for comfort) and 2 safeties (schools that I don’t think will challenge me) out of 16 schools I’ve applied to. I’ve recently gotten waitlisted and rejected from all the other schools and am waiting on 4 more but those are reaches so I’m not expecting much. I really liked one of the schools I got into and I understand that going to college is a privilege but my happiness and excitement has been bogged down by these constant waitlists and denials, even from safeties and low matches. How do I deal with this?
First of all, why would you let an admissions officer who never met you have any say in your self-worth? If you want to sulk for a day after a rejection that is fine, but I’d say to stop dwelling on the fact that you did not get into reach schools and embrace the schools that want you there.
But more importantly, you know the answer – you have been admitted to match schools you like and you now have the privilege of attending a 4 year college where you can have a great experience and get where you want to go in life. Remember that your college experience will largely be whatever you make of it so after all the decisions are in, pick a school and go there proudly and happily. Once you are there learn, find great friends, get involved on campus, get to know your professors and make the most of your four years.
You can choose to go through this process, and through you life thinking your glass is half full or half empty. You will find yourself much happier if you think of your glass as being half full!
Hang in there. You may be surprised. Wait to see what all your options are. There are so many twists and turns to college admissions. You are on the roller coaster of your life, but the Fat Lady (sorry fat lady) hasn’t sung yet!
I understand. The waitlist/rejections take some of the joy out of the acceptances, even tho they are matches! Plus, ending on all that seems anticlimactic? Once it is all over and you head to college it will all just disappear.
Thank you all! I just wanna say to anyone else who may be reading this in the future, I’m currently pumped to go to the school I’m leaning towards and it was after joining a groupme that I felt that sort of excitement, so if you’re feeling down, try that!!
where ever you go …go in happy and positive. do not look back . you will meet great people (some crappy ones too) have great classes and crappy ones too. learn and grow…no matter where you attend. just go in positive and do not worry about designer name/prestige in a college name.
Rejection stinks. Waitlists aren’t a whole lot better. The whole admissions thing is a roller coaster and sometimes it’s really tough. BUT - for your own sanity (not to mention the sanity of those around you) you need to pick yourself up and move on. You’ve been accepted to a school you really like! That’s wonderful! Focus on the positive and move forward. Stay positive and go to college ready to jump in and make the most of your opportunity.