Some Unsolicited Perspective On College Admissions

Colleges and Universities A-Z Princeton University
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<p>Reading some of these messages from posters who were rejected from their first-choice college practically breaks my heart. I am sure that the sting of rejection will hurt for at least a little while -- perhaps much longer than that -- but take it from someone who is now several years out of school: The quality of your undergraduate education and the quality of your college experience in general will depend much more on YOU than the specific university you attend. </p>

<p>I’m not going to patronize you by pretending it doesn’t matter where you go to school. Of course it does. But, as one who is now in the professional world and has seen graduates of both “big name” and “no name” institutions flourish and fail, I assure you that your own personal skills, determination and personality will determine how far you go in life, not the name on your diploma.</p>

<p>For those who did get into their first-choice school, congratulations. Your hard work and ambition have been rewarded. The first step in your post-secondary life is shaping up according to plan. For those who were not as fortunate, rest assured that recent developments are simply a short-term detour on a much longer journey whose direction and pace you still fully control.</p>

<p>To both those who are celebrating today and those who are commiserating, know that as the years go by, you will come to fully realize that this week’s thick and thin letters are not the end of a process, they are the beginning of another one. Best of luck to all.</p>

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<p>"For those who were not as fortunate, rest assured that recent developments are simply a short-term detour on a much longer journey whose direction and pace you still fully control."</p>

<p>Thanks. I couldn't have said it better myself. Now all I have to do is convince myself it's true. :)</p>

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<p>Uggh... for those waitlisted, its like you still haven't reached the turning point.</p>

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<p>gatsby...experiencing some waitlisted pain as well so yeah, it's kind of hard to decide what to do next when you don't know...</p>

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<p>"you will come to fully realize that this week’s thick and thin letters are not the end of a process, they are the beginning of another one"</p>

<p>very true, think about those rejections as your favorite candy bar for your 3-month road trip</p>

<p>p.s : this week, i got more thin letters than a thick package.</p>