Sad after being accepted? Any advice from parents, GU students, others?

Colleges & Universities A-Z Georgetown University
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<p>I realize that this post could probably fit into a number of other sub-forums on CC, but throughout the whole process of applying to GU, I've gained quite a bit of respect for the people who regularly post here, so I thought I'd just see what you guys think. And beyond that, I suppose this is somewhat GU-related. I'm just working through a few issues, and I would really like to get your opinions. So, if you have a chance to read through this long-ish post, I'd love to hear what you have to say. I'm going to pre-emptively thank you for taking the time to read it.</p>

<p>I was accepted last month at the SFS, but I must admit, I've been going through this weird bout of uneasiness and just general 'feeling down' for the past few weeks. To be clear, I should preface this with some things: I am absolutely in love with Georgetown, and I'm set on attending - I've always wanted to go into politics, so for me, even though I've never been to D.C, I've never had any second thoughts: it's where I want to go. My second choice was Wesleyan in CT, as well as Uconn beyond that, and I've recently withdrawn those applications in favor of GU. And also, I really want to emphasize that I'm not writing any of this to seem arrogant, or gloat, or anything like that. I'm a normal kid, and there were a ton of other applicants who are probably more qualified than I who deserve a spot at Georgetown. </p>

<p>That being said, as soon as the immediate excitement of the acceptance letter wore off in about a day or two, I felt really strange. Like I said, I'm just a normal kid - by no means am I the stereotypical college-obsessed ultra-achiever. But even so, I consider myself a dedicated student, and naturally, one's eventual college destination has been a fixture of my world. In the weeks leading up to Dec. 15th, I had been getting really worried as to whether my scores would past muster at the SFS (my math SAT score was pretty low), so I was sort of in disbelief when my letter came, I had convinced myself that I would be deferred. Shock gave way to confusion. Literally, I kept on thinking, "Well, that was unexpected. So, now what do I do now?"</p>

<p>I've really been struggling with that part, and I feel as though I haven't quite settled with the fact that I'm going to GU. Before Dec. 15th, I had always imagined how peaceful and content I would feel if the decision was positive, but for some reason, it's just not happening. Personally, I'm pretty sure that it doesn't stem from any misgivings/fears with what college life will be like - I've spent several weeks away from home (in a college dorm, no less) on a number of occasions, and I like to think that I'm a pretty sociable guy; I have no doubt that GU will be a blast. But in the meantime, I feel edgy. Almost nervous. And whether this evolved out of my having convinced myself that I wouldn't get in, I always have this nagging fear that I'll somehow get rescinded (irrational or not, it's how I feel.) </p>

<p>I've always heard about how relaxing senior year is supposed to be after being accepted, because you no longer have to worry about killing yourself to study for tests, but for all intents and purposes, I feel even more compelled to work harder. I feel, deep down, (and from what I've heard) that it would be acceptable for me to work slightly less hard, but then my conscience kicks in, and I feel strange about breaking my tradition of investing 100% in every school assignment I do. And to some extent, I think I also feel guilty, out of an obligation to my family. Long story short, my family has gone through some pretty big difficulties (Moving cross-country, father engaged in numerous extramarital affairs, divorce, etc.) , and as a result, my younger brother, my mother, and I have come to always depend on one another (My father is out of the picture, now). My mother has always counted on me to achieve the most, and me being accepted to GU was one of the only bits of good news that we've had in a long time. Believe me, she's not strict, or overly-demanding. In fact, we've talked about this before, and she's told me that I should probably relax a little bit. I still can't help but feel a sense of responsibility for the whole situation, though, more so than usual, so I'm extremely worried that letting my grades slip even slightly in one or two classes, after being accepted, might somehow 'mess things up.' </p>

<p>So, that's essentially the reason why I'm posting this. For current students, applicants, and especially parents, what sort of 'senioritis' is acceptable after getting in EA? You can grill me, ROFL at me, or just chuckle at me for asking this, but I have to admit, I've been really confused about it. Would letting a grade go from an A- to a B be a problem? Would two B's be a problem? The first situation is my main concern, the second one is just sort of a hypothetical. I need guidelines and limits to keep this in perspective, I guess. Keep in mind, you're giving advice to someone who is reluctant to let their grades slip at all, so it's not as if I'm about to start completely slacking off. But I want to enjoy senior year, and maybe take some more time to write, or go jogging more often. </p>

<p>In the end, I just want to shake this feeling of anxiousness that I have about Georgetown, which I feel as though I shouldn't have, at least to this extent. It's a school that I love, and I can't wait to visit, and I'm surprised that I don't feel as confident/good about it as I thought I would. Beyond the grades issue, how did you guys respond to being accepted? Because honestly, I was so excited about the SFS, and I've just been feeling a bit lackluster now - not about the school, but just about what to do with the time I have before I go there.<br>
For those of you who have read through this, and are willing to post, thank you so much.
-Vetofor</p>

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<p>SO much stress has just been removed from your shoulders. You’ve been feeding on that stress for months, even years. The “let down” feeling HAS to be normal. Nothing has the intensity because there is no longer a goal. </p>

<p>There is a line from a song in Evita that I just love. “You won’t care if they love you, it’s been done before. You’ll despair if they hate you. You’ll be drained of all energy. All the young who’ve “made it”…will agree”.</p>

<p>You work SO hard for something (a promotion, acceptance, fame, fortune). Then, once you have it…it becomes the norm for you. If one were to take it away now it would be devastating. But…just having it is no longer special.</p>

<p>Try to set another goal for yourself. Something you can look forward to.</p>

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<p>Vetofor-
I am a current freshman at Georgetown SFS and I was accepted EA last year. I thought being accepted EA would give me peace of mind - but instead it gave me a longer period of time to feel anxious and question whether Georgetown was right for me and what I should do in the spring. So I think I understand some of what you are going through. The bottom line is that I spent 6 months second guessing myself and coming up with all of the reasons that I should not go to Georgetown but when I finally got to school I realized that Georgetown was just as wonderful for me as I thought when I originally applied and the months of worries were basically a waste of effort.</p>

<p>So I think that my advice to you would be to take some time to write, think, and reflect and realize that the anxiety that you have is to some extent normal but also probably not based firmly in reality - it is just that the wait between December and August is overwhelmingly long.</p>

<p>In terms of grades, I think that second semester of my senior year I tried to go out with no regrets. For me, that meant trying some new activities that I had never made time for before but also continuing work in classes. It might mean something different to you and there is nothing wrong with that.</p>

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<p>I also got accepted EA to SFS for next year, and it has definitely been a very emotional experience! One thing that I can maybe give you some insight on is my current perspective on grades and “senioritis” and all that jazz. One of my teachers put it best that second semester senior year is great for a lot of reasons, mostly because we are given the opportunity to learn just to learn rather than to be stressing out over grades. I have seen this as an opportunity to do exactly that, not as an opportunity to “slack off”. The stress is gone which is helpful because sometimes if you do have a long day and you just can’t bring yourself to finish a reading assignment or something it is definitely not the end of the world, likewise if you’re struggling with material or get a less than stellar note IT IS NOT THE END OF THE WORLD. That is enough to take the pressure off of my shoulders, but at the same time I know I’m the type of person that would have to make a physical effort to start failing/doing poorly, and I am sure that stands true about most of us early acceptees just by nature. Basically take advantage of this opportunity to learn just to learn instead of sweating about grades and small stuff. A drop down to a few Bs is not going to get your acceptance rescinded!</p>

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<p>Oh and hopefully you will start feeling more at ease about your decision and excited for next year, and I will see you on the hilltop! Woo Hoya Saxa! Class of '14!!!</p>

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<p>I definitely know how you feel. I was accepted into SFS for next fall also. I visited GU last spring and had mixed feelings towards the school. It just didn’t feel right, but in terms of academics, Walsh in general and all the possibilities of D.C, I would have been an idiot not to apply. So October 31st came and I rushed to complete my Walsh essay and submit my GU application. I submitted everything at exactly 10:11pm,November 1st. I was convinced that I would NOT be accepted. I told my parents not to ask about it, told my counselor to help me pick new schools and focused on my dream school (Princeton). When my mom told me that I got a letter from GU, I told her not to open it because it was my letter of deferral from GU. The whole day I lashed out at everyone and could not focus on my exam reviews; all I wanted to do was go home and accept my deferral. But when I saw that green sheet, I could not stop screaming. I was so happy that I could not help but to cry! Ever since then, I’ve been content with GU. </p>

<p>But I definitely know how you feel; I applied to two other schools early action and also got in. I never expected to get into GU, so I counted on those schools and the schools that I would maybe get into RD. Now, I’m so confused as well. What if GU isn’t right for me? What if I do get into my dream school/most of my RD schools? How will I choose GU over my dream school, etc.? Then, there’s the whole senioritis thing. lol I found out about my GU acceptance the day before my AP Eng Lit midterm. I did not study. The excitement and anxiety kept me from focusing and it was evident. Every now again, I worry and feel down just like you do. But then, I think about my older sister-- since she was little GU had always been her first choice. She was deferred EA and then rejected RD. She didn’t think she would be happy at any other school,but now three years later, she laughs at her GU story and is completely happy with her current school. I know that we just need to finish this year strong and be confident that we will all end up where we need to be! You are not alone, my friend.Best of luck wherever you end up, and maybe we will all be classmates next fall!!</p>

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<p>adding…</p>

<p>there is now another thread started by someone wondering about “application remorse” (in another school, or in a “generic” thread topic, I forget). So…no…you are not alone. RDers are even feeling this way about which applications they sent. There is a sort of a depressed calm at our house too. It’s life altering. Your first major decision. But it’s done. It’s out of your hands. Don’t worry…everyone goes through this. A new job, getting married, kids, a house, moving. These are big things and they take some adjustment.</p>

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<p>^^just4-
If Princeton is your “dream school” and you happen to get in, as great as GU is, I can’t imagine why you would have to worry about “How will I choose GU over my dream school?” You don’t.
First, it’s your “dream school.” Second, it’s Princeton. That should be an easy choice. (And note that I think GU is great.)</p>

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<p>Re senioritis: the only incident I know about at my school is a student who got a D on his midterm. The college (that he got in ED to) contacted him and asked him to explain his grade. He wrote a typical bs letter to the college and they were fine with it, but I think he probably had to raise the grade to a C- or C. Bottom line is that a school will almost NEVER rescind an application, they absolutely do not want to do that and will avoid it all costs. Getting straight B’s or B-'s is totally fine. Try not to get more than one C though.</p>

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<p>I just wanted to thank everyone for all of their responses, this has been extremely helpful. I’m fortunate in that I’m not uneasy with my choice, but rather, just the interim period before I attend. I think I’m slowly working through it, though, I’m sure I’ll pick up a better perspective on things soon. Anyway, thanks again, feel free to keep on posting, though!</p>

<p>(P.S - to HoyaSaxa92, well, Hoya Saxa! And congratulations too! It’s a shame that I don’t know who you are, but hopefully we’ll run into eachother next year. I assume we’re in the same facebook group too, haha, so I suppose you’ll have to guess who I might be. Send me a message some time, we’ll have to talk.)</p>

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<p>Thanks! Haha and yeah for sure. Feel free to message me anytime too if you wanna talk more about feeling down, OR we can just talk about how awesome next year is going to be?</p>

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<p>hey, i felt similiar to you, vetofor. I had my heart set on GU after i visited it in mid-October. After a great visit, I decided to apply EA. I got in, and for a few days, I felt a tremendous amount of stress lifted off of my shoulders. My mother, however, decided that I should apply RD to a few other schools in order to have options if I somehow changed my mind by April. Long story short, you wouldn’t have rescinded those apps if you didn’t know that deep down, you got into where you want to go. I started feeling ambivalent about GU, but I think each person’s experience is different. When I envision myself at college, I still see myself at GU so chances are, I’ll most likely be shouting “hoya saxa” next fall. I still think that I needed to know I had explored all avenues before deciding the next 4 years of my life.
Long story short, GU is a great school that I’m sure you will excel at. This down feeling you have will go away soon, as you get excited for the acceptance letters of your friends, more mail comes from GU about revisit days etc. Take Senior spring head-on with the comfort of knowing you’re IN! like hoyasaxa92 said, if you can’t bring yourself to finish that reading assignment or if you skip your Calc homework, don’t worry about it. Your academic drive won’t disappear; you just won’t have to fall victim to it if you’re feeling tired or stressed!</p>

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<p>I feel the exact same way! I think it is called application remorse! Nonetheless I did not apply EA to Georgetown because my college adviser does not allow students to apply to more than 1 school EA. That being the cause in October I did a program called Questbridge. This allowed me to apply to several schools Early under there policies. So when I was a finalist I ranked Notre Dame, Northwestern, and University of Chicago as my top choices, respectively. All was going well until my college adviser FORGOT to send my transcript. All the colleges I did with Questbridge called me and told me that they had to rescind the Questbridge offer and that if I give them my transcript I could apply for EA & ED!
So when I heard this I was not surprised. I expected to be reject but not in this way. So my college adviser only let me apply EA to Notre Dame and withdraw all my applications until RD.
After being use to constant rejection I was expecting a rejection and hoping for at least a deferral from Notre Dame. I convinced myself for about a month that I would get rejected or be happy with a deferral but never a acceptance letter.
When the letter came I was in complete shock. I was amazed and lack concentration in school. That marking period in nearly every class I went down and even got a 75! So now that the shock has worn off, I left in quote a predicament is Notre Dame right for me. I start doubting myself and so applied to several other college RD including Georgetown, Yale, & Brown in addition to University of Chicago and Northwestern.
So now I am here doubting myself at every turn and unable to see the amazing feat I conquered. I feel as if there is a void, and emptiness that consume me and the only way to fill it is with acceptance letters form every college I applied to.</p>

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<p>Congrats on gaining admission to Georgetown. Great school, great city – I’m sure you’ll enjoy your time there.</p>

<p>I don’t really know a lot about Georgetown other than a couple of campus tours and my own fond memories of 12 years of Jesuit education. I’m just a parent with a kid who’s interested in this school browsing the web for some info.</p>

<p>Your post is very interesting to me as I think it touches on some fundamental truths about life. You set a high and worthy goal and you achieved it. Keep doing this – it’s a big part of success. I’ve been doing this for decades and have often felt the way you described yourself. Maybe what you’re finding out is that Georgetown ( or millions of dollars or the BMW or the great house or the congressional seat or the embassy posting) won’t make you happy, only you can do that. Achieve because you can and because it’s good, but realize that happiness might be a separate issue. Money can’t buy happiness but it keeps me in the type of misery I prefer. Ha! </p>

<p>Anyway, pardon this little avuncular missive and good luck.</p>

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<p>There will be other times you might feel a similar emptiness, like the time between your last final undergrad exam and your graduation ceremony, and the time between your engagement and your wedding. The key element is that whatever previously motivated you is suddenly gone, yet you have a vacuum cuz you have to wait for the next stage to begin before you get some new identifiable challenges. Like a dog needs a stick to fetch, and a cat needs a mouse to chase, people need challenges to make them feel human.</p>

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<p>Did you watch today’s Georgetown-Duke game on CBS? You could be in Verizon Center next year in your grey t-shirt with the President and Vice President and all of America following the action.</p>

<p>Still feeling empty?</p>