How to respond to other classmates getting rejected

Recently I was admitted to a college that someone else in my grade was rejected from. She was really intent on going if she got in and was really excited about it, so it came as a huge disappointment when she got denied. I have a class with her and another admit to the same college, and today was the first day back at school since receiving decisions. When I walked into class, the other admit and I immediately made eye contact and smiled at each other, and we started talking excitedly about the college. Realizing that the other girl who got denied was on the other side of the room, I lowered my voice and started speaking in vague terms as to not mention the college specifically, but I think she figured that we were talking about it since we were both admitted. I think she got really sad because she left the room and I felt horrible. I really thought she wouldn’t be able to hear us because we were on the other side.

I guess in the future I just won’t talk about it at all around her to spare her feelings? But in general, do you guys have any suggestions on how to handle situations like this where people receive different decisions to the same college?

Just say ‘Sorry, I know you really wanted to go to XXX. I hope you hear good news soon from your other schools.’ And don’t avoid or ignore her or she will think you are talking about her.

There will be plenty of time to talk about your plans after everyone has decisions and plans of their own, so do this privately – or not at all – for now. (And privately isn’t in whispers near her – that makes her feel bad she got denied as well as excluded. You can’t help the first, but you complete control over the latter.)

@twoinanddone has given you great advice on what to say to her. And imho, it’s better to say it if it is feeling awkward.