<p>Many of you will be receiving good news over the next few weeks. Based on ED statistics many more will be receiving news of disappointment. I just wanted to leave a note to both parents and students. </p>
<p>Do not despair!!</p>
<p>My super great best of all time son was rejected at HYP, WUSL, Stanford, Rice and Northwestern last year and not a single letter was easy to read. I can say with great confidence that what seems like a disappointment today might just be the first step to happiness. </p>
<p>I started posting here November of last year and will share the short story. Fall of his senior year wonderful son started receiving contact from numerous universities. Due to my lack of process understanding he was very much behind in terms of preparation. I felt that due to my lack of knowledge and the late preparation his options were limited, I had let him down. I came here and read of the students who had perfect GPAs. 2400, SATs, coached essays and multiple interviews and knew we would fall short of those standards which made me even more depressed. Not only where other students his academic equal or superior but they had a better plan. </p>
<p>With advice here he and I created a list of schools, got recommendations and began the process. In the end there was no Cinderella story. He was rejected by all Ivies he applied (3), rejected or waitlisted by all of the school listed on the top universities (5) ultimately to be accepted by (1) that he decided not to attend and accepted by a few of his match (2), some even with money. By the time he was accepted by the top university in question he had decided that it was a great school with a great name but in his chosen major (Chemical Engineering /Material Sciences) our local state university had a better program. </p>
<p>Now here is the funny part, my son is as happy as I have ever seen him. By going to our <very large=""> State University he was able to participate in a summer program at the school that included 6 weeks of living/attending classes on campus and 6 weeks of placement in a research laboratory (paid). He enjoyed regular direct contact with the assistant dean of his school while forming relationships with upperclassman (who gave him all the books he would need) and graduate students. This program, only available to him at this school was like rocket fuel to his college career. He just completed his first quarter, 18 hours that included independent research in a graduate lab (the same lab from this summer), hall senate, a nomination to be an orientation/senior visit ambassador, membership in multiple organizations all while doing very well academically. Despite the multiple (10) applications to other schools, one year later he cant imagine being any happier no matter where. He is starting the process of trying to be a RA next year. He LOVES his school, community, classes, professors, dorm, TAs heck even his roommate!</very></p>
<p>My point, happiness is a state of mind not a place. Over the next few weeks or months if you find that you didnt get into the uber face melting school all your parents friends will recognize, dont give up, dont think everything is over, dont despair, happiness might be just around the corner you just have to go find it. </p>
<p>Parents, the support you provide these young folks over the next few months might just be the most important ever, do it right.</p>