I have decided almost certainly to attend University of Michigan next year, but I can’t get excited about it. It’s such a good school (I know that - everyone I know tells me this), but I can’t help feeling like it’s just not the right place for me. I got waitlisted at my two tops schools - UCLA and Emory. I am going to do everything I can do to get off the waitlist, but I know it’s not likely. How do I get excited about going to Michigan? It is just not all what I expected my next 4 years would be.
I understand this is an annoying question, but I have been having a lot of anxiety that I won’t be able to handle being so far from home, being in the cold, and the constant rawraw spirit.
For a start, don’t see going to U of Michigan as a second option because you were waitlisted. Rather, see it as a great opportunity and don’t think too much about your other choices! Keep in mind that in the end, everyone is ending up where they are meant to be (even if it doesn’t seem like it!)
Do another visit. Overnight if possible. Talk to some members of clubs you might want to join. Join incoming student facebook groups. Don’t keep hanging onto the possibilities of getting off the WL. Focus on maize and blue!
You need to take a deep breath and embrace the school that has accepted you. Stop looking backwards and thinking about schools you didn’t get into and start looking ahead to what can be a great 4 years.
If you really don’t want UM, it looks like you have some other acceptances you can consider (ex. UCSB).
If you are looking to go to the “highest rated” school, you will need to deal with those issues. Otherwise, as happy says, you have warmer options. Frankly, most kids would take UMich over most schools any day. But if it is not your thing, UVSB is warm, friendly and low rah rah.
I was waitlisted as UCSB 
Would have loved to consider it.
Tulane is not cold and in a great city.
Did you get into Tulane? THAT is a great choice! And low rah rah!
I should still consider Tulane. It just feels like everyone I know (parents, teachers, friends) think I should go to Umich because of its high rankings. I am planning on visiting both hopefully, but I just don’t feel the same excitement I did about my other schools… Maybe its because I have never visited?
yea visits are designed to make you fall in love with the school! Definitely visit with an open mind and i’m sure you will start to love it 
Tulane is a great school in a great city. My D’s friend absolutely loved her time at Tulane. If you can, visit Tulane and UM and see which you prefer.
(and apologies for my error above saying you got into UCSB).
You could always go to CC instead.
Nobody says you have to go to a 4-year school straight out of HS.
In any case, I understand. American colleges make applying to college like dating, where you’re suppose to fall in love in with the school you go to rather than treating college as a step in life’s journey or a place to gain skills or an education or credentials. They do this because all that marketing benefits them, and it works because we humans are fundamentally emotional creatures (especially at your age; I spent years in HS infatuated with a certain girl and years in college infatuated with another one; in adulthood, it all seems pretty silly now though there was no harm done).
But you have to decide for yourself: Are you going to be led by your (manipulated) emotions, or will you be rational about this?
In any case, Tulane’s a fine school. There’s no reason to live life for other people’s feelings.
You haven’t visited UM or Tulane, and you were accepted to both? Definitely, if you can, visit during accepted students day. I think you will get excited by one or both schools after a visit ! (I have a daughter at Tulane and she loves it!)
How much will Tulane cost you? One of my s’s went and LOVED it.
Tulane would be cheaper. I am sorry for complaining as I know I have 2 great options my family can afford, but its just not what I imagined. I’m try to get excited but its just not working. Like I am meeting really nice people from both schools, but it doesn’t feel totally right. I know I shouldn’t count on my waitlist schools, but those are the only schools can I see myself at
“I know I shouldn’t count on my waitlist schools, but those are the only schools can I see myself at”.
Why? What reasons?
You also have to be realistic. Plenty of people with your stats get denied from UMich and Tulane.
Visit the schools and report back.
Eyeroll. Michigan is better academically than any other school on your list. Ann Arbor is a great college town. Buy a warm coat and go get a great education.