<p>Hi kids,
Here's some mom advice: many of you have said that, while you would be disappointed (OK a little crushed) by a deferral or rejection decision today, you've also said one of the hardest parts is that you would "disappoint people around you" or that you wouldn't know what to say to them, and worse, they wouldn't know what to say to you. </p>
<p>Here's my advice: if you get news you aren't thrilled with, don't feel like YOU have to call/tell everyone. It would be OK to ask your mom, your best friend, and so on, to spread the word, and to let people know that you are feeling crappy about it, probably don't want to talk about it yet, and are moving forward with other plans. If people say insensitive or stupid things to you: "Yale isn't that great of a school anyway," "WHY do you think you didn't get in?" "I can't believe you didn't get in but Britney did and you're way smarter than her" it's OK to say that you don't want to talk about it, smile, and repeat. Do talk to SOMEONE: your best friend, favorite teacher and anyone else who will be positive and sensible, and who will help you quickly move on to plan B. </p>
<p>When you are feeling pain, it is OK not to try to explain/help/fix other people who react inappropriately.</p>
<p>OK, that's off my chest. I have to say, you EA candidates are a really amazing group. It will be Yale's loss if you end up somewhere else. Fringey, I hope to God your personality came through on your essays because you're the girl everyone would want to live down the hall from.</p>