I’d like to preface this by saying that I know that this happens to a lot of people, many of whom that may be more qualified than myself. However, it still sucks and is really bumming me out.
Starting in the fall of 2017, I started doing a lot more research into things for the summer. One thing that caught my eye was the idea of going to a summer camp. It started as more of an afterthought but as I started working on my application during my winter break, I started really wanting to go. As a result, I started really working and fine-tuning my essays and resumes to really show my personality and interests. I thought that with my stats, extracurriculars, and essay that I spent months working on, I would easily get a spot.
But I didn’t. I got rejected about a week ago, and it’s been racking my brain. I’ve come to terms with the rejection, but the implications behind the decision are starting to bother me. I just keep thinking “if I can’t get into this camp that has a high acceptance rate than target schools, how can I stand a chance?”
I just wish that I didn’t convince myself so much that I’d get in. I just hope this is a one-off thing.
So hopefully you made a plan B for the summer. If not, you should start working on that. One way to think of this is as s wake up call that people are not kidding when they say you need to be serious about searching for matches and safety colleges that you would be happy to attend and can afford. I’m sorry you didn’t get into the camp you hoped to attend. But you do need to be clearer eyed about your upcoming college applications than you were about this.
There may still be camps you can attend - see if Concordia Language Villages are still admitting students. You’ll have fun and you’ll get a credit of HS language. The “voyageur” camp combines canoeing in the Boundary Waters, living like ‘trappers’ and speaking French.
A typical plan B is to have a job and work. Or attend a camp organized by a university or even take a summer class there for a couple weeks and have a job, too.
I am sorry you’re so disappointed but this texted you a very useful lesson : always plan something, just in case things don’t go your way have a plan B, have two safeties, etc. It’s better to experience that now than when most teens do, which is, with college applications. If you think not getting into a summer camp is hard, imagine being a top student shut out of college due to a list that didn’t include matches and safeties.
Ah,I’m so sorry. My daughter got a rejection or two in her college search, and I know how much rejection of any type can hurt.
But I bet you a dollar that now you’ll be sure that you find some real safeties in your college search. No one “dream school” but a number of schools that you like, that you’re confident will accept you, and that you’ll be happy to attend. We’re still reading so many threads here from kids who aren’t happy with the choices they have-- that won’t be you!
Also, the odds are pretty good that those essays will be put to good use in the upcoming months.
So, what’s plan B? Are you already working? If not, then now is the time to apply if you hope to work over the summer. Take classes, dive into the college search, enjoy time with your friends.
Oh, and Ice Cream Therapy is great for the soul. Extra points for hot fudge.
I am so sorry, that does hurt. Its not a reflection of you though. Things just seem to be very competitive everywhere. Like others have suggested have a plan B for college apps.