I initially posted this in another group but I feel like some people here might benefit from this. I wrote this after reading my letter of rejection. I was feeling a gross mixture of emotions but had to stop myself to realize that I was going to be okay. This is what I wrote during that.
So, I got rejected from my top choice, I knew it was such a reach but I thought I would be compelling enough. There’s a lot running through my mind right now, and a lot of tears as well. I really had hope, I really did, but at the same time, I understand and am so grateful that I was offered acceptance to other schools. Monday is really going to suck when people ask me if I got into UMD or not and I’ll finally have to come to terms with it. For those wondering, I have acceptances from Towson University and Mount St. Mary’s with a scholarship. I will most likely be attending Towson in the fall, but I may consider CC and transfer to UMD. All in all, I’m humbled and blessed that I even have the opportunity to apply to college and that it’s a possibility for me considering my first generation status. Rejection hurts, it sucks so bad, but I trust that the admissions committee had a good reason for rejecting me. I will find happiness no matter where I go. I suppose I’m writing this for myself and for others who are feeling the initial shock of rejection, it hurts now but the purpose is there. I feel more driven to work with what I have, yes, Towson does not offer Public Health as a major and does not have the accessibility like UMD but that just means I’ll have to explore my options further and search for what will benefit me the most. I’ll have to make the school work for me. For anyone else who has been rejected, it’s going to hurt for a while, but like most things, it will pass. We must find positivity in even the hardest times. If you read this crazy rambly letter that was written in the midst of rejection musing then thank you. I hope that wherever you go, happiness follows. I am sending all my love and positivity.
My afterthoughts, I waited 2 hours in coalition for a decision I was not prepared for. I wanted to have the acceptance like everyone else. I wanted to go to UMD like everyone else. But now I understand that there was a good chance that as much as I loved UMD, it was not the best fit for me and surprisingly, I’m okay with that. I will do the best with what I have like I have always done.
Hi. I love your sense of optimism and the outlook you have on your future in college. My friend is struggling with the same thing–she was rejected from UMD as well, and it was her top choice due to their public health major. I sent your post to her, and I think it will cheer her up. It’s great to have someone to empathize with. It was hard for me to help her, because I have a completely different situation from you and her. Anyways, thank you for sharing.
@lycoris your letter is strong and brave. You must be an amazing person! And a really good writer! Monday there will be stupid thoughtless people but i hope there are also family and friends who love you. You have great college opportunities and should be proud.
That coalition fail was awful but your loving light shines bright!
What a letter - you are a very mature person and you will go far in life no matter where you get your degree. Some perspective…my son is a freshman. Over Christmas break, he heard of at least four kids from his high school who were transferring. These are kids who were enthralled with their college choices. Bought all the gear, put the stickers on the car, spent the summer preparing. One friend of his knew she was at the wrong school within two weeks of being there. Schools that seem perfect when you are a HS senior may not work for you once you are there. The grass isn’t always greener. You have to adjust to what life throws at you, and you seem to be doing this very well. Best of luck to you. You are also a spectacular writer and I think a lot of kids could benefit from your sentiments.
@lycoris Thank you. My kid is facing an almost identical situation today, after getting a rejection from first choice reach college. Second choice school doesn’t have 1st choice major. But I’m pointing out there is a path to get to desired career even if it takes a little longer. I truly believe 2nd choice school is the better fit for my kid. Good luck to you! Disappointment makes you work harder!
@BurningSmirk Thank you for reading and sharing your experience. I read your post on this forum as well about how UMD may not be the correct choice for you. I understand that struggle as well, I was offered a massive scholarship from Mount St. Mary’s and am still deciding, the school just doesn’t feel right. I encourage you to take a second look at UMD via tours and asking people who are currently attending their thoughts on campus culture. As for your friend, I wish only the best for her and if she feels like UMD is the best choice for her that she appeals. Rejection never feels good. Give your friend some time and a shoulder to cry on, I hope she finds peace soon.
@klbmom18 Thank you for your kind words and support. Monday will be difficult but I know the craze will eventually level out. I am proud of what I have accomplished thus far, I am currently deciding to appeal the admission decision, mostly for my own sanity. I can’t sleep at night knowing I didn’t do everything in my power to reverse the decision. I need to know that I tried my very best and gave it all I had.
@metsgrrrl Thank you so much for the support. You’re right in that the grass isn’t always greener on the other side. At the tender age of 17/18 it’s hard to know what we want and need. We make assumptions as to what is the right fit and it can all end up going awry. Your post was sobering and helped me realize that. I hope your son is enjoying his time at UMD and finds it to be the right fit for him.
@lycoris This is lovely. I was recently rejected from my top choice, and I can relate precisely. At first, I had a huge rush of feelings run through my heart. I asked myself questions such as, “What should I tell my parents?”, “What will my colleagues say?”, “Did I really just waste all that time investing into this university? Visiting, and signing up for programs, etc.” My initial reaction was horrific, I felt as if my heart had been taken out of my body. It was a nasty feeling no one ought to feel. After about an hour, I decided to reevaluate the situation. Despite the rejection I still have a life to live. I cannot dwell on the past, I am still 17, I have a full life in front me. Once I began to think with that mindset, I felt much better. If anyone is struggling with an rejection there is still hope. Do not give up!
@SoofDad Thank you so much! I did enjoy my tour of Towson and even have a cousin who attended and is now pursuing her Masters at John’s Hopkins University. My other cousin is a current Freshman at UMD and is also loving his time there. I know that no matter where I go, I’ll be okay. I just have to find the bright side of everything.
@chb088 I am in a similar boat, Towson does not offer Public Health but instead offers Health Science with a focus on becoming a Health teacher, a career I am not interested in pursuing. My best advice is to give them time to absorb the reality of the situation and if it still doesn’t feel right, they should take the step of making an appeal (if it is allowed). Disappointment does make the soul work harder, I feel more motivated than ever to make the life I dreamed of, a reality. In some aspects, I am thankful for this rejection, it was the wake-up call I needed, although not the most pleasant one, it’s helping me to realize how strong I am and that I can make anything work. I am currently working on the process of an appeals and needless to say, I am going to give it my all, something I otherwise would not have done if this rejection had not come. I hope your kid finds the right choice and is happy when it is all said and done!
^I love your attitude. Finding the bright side has been one of my guiding principles as an adult. Only very rarely can I not find the bright side in any situation!
@lycoris your attitude is what will help you as you continue on your journey. We all hit obstacles…resilience & tenacity matter more in today’s working world than credentials. Knowing what you’re feeling and turning that into positive motivation will be great fuel for lifelong success. Go get 'em!
@nikolateslaxi I relate to your feelings so much. Especially that gross feeling of dread, like everything inside of me sunk deeper. It hurt a lot, it hurt seeing people post about their acceptance. I felt like a failure and that I just wasn’t good enough. Time heals and it’s something I learned through this. I wish you the best of luck and that you will find happiness wherever you end up.
@MaineLonghorn Thank you so much for your kind words and encouragement, we can’t control everything in this life but we can control our thoughts, actions, and emotions.
@lycoris “Thank you so much for your kind words and encouragement, we can’t control everything in this life but we can control our thoughts, actions, and emotions.”
This is one of the most important lessons any of us can learn in life. Many adults struggle with this concept (I definitely do at times when things or relationships don’t go my way.) I just wanted to say that you’re wise beyond your years, and I wish you much success and happiness wherever you wind up.
Keep the faith. Your attitude and commitment will get you very far in life. Tom Brady still is driven by the fact that he was a 6th round draft pick. He was “rejected” by every team in the NFL, including his own team at least 5 times. I wish you nothing but the best going forward. There were likely admitted students with credentials that were not as strong as you who got in, and others with stronger credentials who also were denied. Yes, it is very painful at the time. It’s ok to be disappointed. But in the end, I am sure you will have your own unique adventure in the path set out before you.
