<p>Maybe they just wrote really good essays. You cannot focus on whether or not they deserved it, because they are likely still good candidates, irrelevant of whether or not they were “as qualified” as you were. You just have to forget why they weren’t accepted and realize that most of your class is going to different colleges next year so there is not need to feel insecure about where you go. Your best friends next year will be from the same school as you and show the same school pride. If you are truly qualified to be a Duke applicant, try to pick similar schools like Georgetown or Northwestern or Notre Dame. Not sure if those are good examples but they are definitely similar overtly (not sure about majors etc.)</p>
<p>Skittlecutie,</p>
<p>I got rejected from Princeton 100 years ago and went to Duke instead. At the time, I didn’t think it was very great to be rejected, and I couldn’t find much good in it. But at Duke I met husband (you might know him as DukeDad–hahaha!) I’m grateful everyday that I went to Duke and have the people in my life that I do -esp my kids and husband. My point is that I promise you that one day you will say, “I can’t believe I wanted to go to Duke…I would have missed out on all THIS!” I’m so glad today that I am not PrincetonShama!</p>