After letting the disappointment to sit for a couple of days, I would encourage him to focus on what he has rather than worrying about something that is not available. I remind my kids often that there are a lot of great universities in this country and you can get an excellent education and have a good experience at all of them if you put your mind to it. College admission is an insane process, and young people should not evaluate themselves in relation to it. The goal should be to make the most of the opportunities you have. Easier said than done for a young person, but it doesn’t hurt to say it.