<p>I've been seeing a lot of posts by people who were rejected from schools all across the country. As someone who was rejected from several top choice schools, I agree, it hurts. Anyway, to make myself feel better, I wrote a letter to those schools. Maybe this will make someone else feel better as well.</p>
<p>Dear Colleges that rejected me,</p>
<p>First of all, thank you. Thank you for your consideration; thank you for your time; and, thank you for the heartfelt sentiments that you expressed when informing me of your decision.</p>
<p>I wanted to let you know that you were by no means alone. Many schools were unable to admit me this year, based off of my application compared to their tens of thousands of other potential students. I know as well as the next student that applying to college is a numbers game; in fact one of the alumni who interviewed me referred to the entire process as a crapshoot. But I have to admit, even knowing all of the discouraging statistics that dominate the college process; I can't help but feel slightly bitter. Were the hours that I poured into studying for AP tests, applying for prestigious internships, and teaching English to immigrant children not unique enough? Could I have done more work somehow? Could I of, should I of crammed more hours into my day, joined more activities or pushed to get my GPA just one-tenth of a point higher? That polite rejection you sent me says no, I did everything right, but still; the first thought that went through my head was that I must have done something wrong.</p>
<p>However, I've been thinking. I am proud of my accomplishments. When I put in those countless hours of work I wasn't considering their ramifications on my application, but rather, I was considering how much I loved what I was doing. My motivation was not getting into a top school, but finding a place where I could continue doing what I love. No one in any admissions department will ever read this letter; but, respectfully, I want you to know just what you're missing out on.</p>
<p>I am passionate, motivated, and hardworking. Overused words, but not within this context. I am the volunteer who stayed up all night working on lesson plans, not out of some desire to get into college but because I loved the work that I was doing, because when my lesson came of well the smiles of my class were worth more than any line on a resume. I am the intern who worked an entire summer for free, filing documents, answering constituent letters, drafting press releases, and completing all of the mundane office tasks. I didn't do this for college or to look good on a job interview. I have a genuine interest in politics and was excited about exploring the field. I am the student who struggled through 13 AP classes in high school, succeeding only by virtue of late nights, caffeinated beverages, and mnemonic devices. Despite my complaints about the heavy workload, I enjoyed the subjects themselves. I am a person who thrives on challenges, has a thirst for knowledge, and plans on making a tangible difference in the world.</p>
<p>I wish I could say your rejection didn't sting. That would, however, be a lie. I know that I would be an asset to your school and I wish you had agreed. However, I will be an asset to the school that I will attend next year, a school that I am proud to attend.</p>
<p>Thank you.</p>
<p>Sincerely,</p>
<p>An Applicant
Columbus, Ohio</p>