<p>I am torn between writing, "Of course you're screwed. No admissions officer has EVER made a mistake of any kind, and they are totally merciless," and writing the truth, "relax, you're not the first and only student to make a mistake like this -- if everything else is good, you'll be fine."</p>
<p>I'm thinking that flying valium-spraying helicopters over high schools this time of year might be a good idea...</p>
<p>"I am torn between writing, "Of course you're screwed. No admissions officer has EVER made a mistake of any kind, and they are totally merciless," and writing the truth, "relax, you're not the first and only student to make a mistake like this -- if everything else is good, you'll be fine."</p>
<p>I'm always tempted, too, to reply to such posts by saying, "Abandon all hope."</p>