<p>I applied to UTD, SMU, Rice, Harvard, and WashU
I have a 5.0 GPA out of 6.0, which translates into 3.8 out of 4.0.
I'm rank 14 out of 606.
I have an SAT score of 2130: 800 in reading, 640 in math, and 690 in writing.
ACT - 28; SAT Bio 640; SAT Lit 740
I'm in NHS, Latin Club, UIL Spelling Team, Church Choir, Church Youth group, President of Altar servers.
I'm full IB. ALL my classes are IB.
I got rejected from Rice, Harvard, waitlisted at WashU
I got accepted into SMU with a $15000 scholarship. go figure.
I got full-ride to UTD, which virtually anybody with an IB diploma does.
Am I a loser? Is this typical?
I feel like I'm the dummest kid in the world and that all the hard work I have done is completely wasteful.</p>
<p>This was an unusual year (for many reasons, which you can read about all over College Confidential). Colleges received so many applications. Just as an example, Rice received 14,000 applications for 950 freshman spots. At some point, at some level, there is an element of luck in all of this. You are a smart, capable student with some impressive credentials. You got accepted into two very good schools and you may very well make it into a third. Pick one of the two and if you get into WashU decide if you want to go there instead. Then don’t look back and don’t let regrets or “what ifs” get you down. Go to college and use your impressive background and skills to launch you to the top of the class.</p>
<p>LL, </p>
<p>Congrats on both your scholarship and full ride! It sounds like you have a strong academic foundation and will do well wherever you go! I suggest studying your options carefully, choosing one, sending in your deposit, and treating yourself to your chosen college’s t-shirt … You were chosen twice – congrats, again!</p>
<p>You have to remember how competitive these applications are. Just because you did not get in does not make you a loser. When I was looking around at jobs and considering where to apply, I got reminded that the only thing that counts is the one yes.</p>
<p>Finally, if you do go to SMU - let the rivalry (or whatever is left of it) begin!</p>
<p>You will find exceptional students on both those campuses. You may have to dig a little to find some outstanding opportunities, but I believe that they are there. Your hard work did pay off with either a full ride or a fabulous scholarship. Pat yourself on the back and eat some ice cream.</p>
<p>May you find smarter students that are happy to be going to SMU or UTD. They will make you feel better about your choice.</p>