<p>Hey, to those who are really bummed out that they were rejected or waitlisted this year, I highly encourage you to re-apply next year to some of these schools or different schools.</p>
<p>In 2009, I was a newbie to the application process, so I headed for the top schools, even though some of those schools didn't feel like the right choice for me. I applied to Andover, Exeter, SPS, Taft, Deerfield, and Concord. I was a good student with pretty decent ECs, but I was applying with FA. Even though, I figured that I would get in to at least one of them. Man, I was wrong. When March 10th arrived, I was rejected by all but Deerfield and Concord, where I was waitlisted. I couldn't believe it.</p>
<p>So, starting last summer I decided I would devote much time to becoming a better, well-rounded applicant. I started studying the SSAT from August-December every day, memorizing many pages of vocab words and making sure I was prepared. I started playing an instrument I had not played in a couple years and joined multiple clubs at school, got better grades, and did more community service. I also decided to apply to Deerfield and Concord, but this time choose different schools that were in my opinion not as good as the schools I applied to the previous year. The only other difference this year was that I did not need FA.</p>
<p>Fast-forward to March 10th this year. I received 6 acceptances and one waitlist (Concord- lol), much to my surprise. I was ecstatic. I will be attending my first choice school next school year (Deerfield.)</p>
<p>This was my success story, and I urge many of you who got the same results as I did last year, to get right back at it and re apply in the Fall! Try to improve on what you thought were your weaknesses during this admissions process. Most importantly, if you believe in yourself and commit yourself to getting in to a school next year, I have no doubt you will succeed. Best of luck and never give up!</p>