<p>Here's a good idea (in theory). All of us ED applicants have our hearts set on Princeton. Most of us have put it up on that "dream school" type level. It will be a bit of a punch to the gut if the decision comes back as a deferral (and definitely for a rejection). Our dear friend logic tells us, however, that the world will not blow up and "Game Over - Score = 5620" will not flash in front of our eyes and signify the end of our lives if this occurs. Yes, we are all hoping for the best. But what, as we see it, is the "worst"? Where will you be a year from now if you become one of Princeton's fantastic applicants that they honestly just don't have room for?</p>
<p>I will start. The worst that can happen is I am rejected from Princeton, have the same result with Stanford, and get a sizable chunk of scholarship money from Pepperdine University down in Malibu, California. I will turn down any other offers of admission and spend four years in the sun and the ocean breeze. I will enjoy both the Chrisitan foundation of the school and the favorable male/female ratio. I will excel at the school and end up near the top of the class in fine position to go to an excellent graduate school. </p>
<p>Make no mistake, I want to go to Princeton. I'm not sure if I've ever wanted anything more in my life. I get happy shivers (the kind you get after hearing Al Michaels say "10 seconds...5 seconds...do you believe in miracles?") when I think of my potential reaction to an acceptance letter. But perspective is also our friend. Maybe not as dear of a friend as logic. But it is our friend nonetheless.</p>
<p>However, by now it sounds like I am just trying to convince myself. So join with me, fellow ED applicants...what will your life be like in a year from now if it's not at Princeton?</p>
<p>I share this magical Princeton dream as an ED applicant, but I am a realist and I am applying to Yale, Columbia, NYU, Georgetown, Safety: Rutgers, TCNJ. If not Princeton and I get into one of the other ivies, I will not be totally crestfallen. NYU and Georgetow I will be happy but not excited. If it's down to the other two, I will totally go Howard Hughes.</p>
<p>The worst that my mind is letting me believe is, I get rejected ED and then by all of the private schools I apply to. A year from now, I might be at Berkeley's College of Chemistry and be ridiculously happy with all of the other chemistry nerds like me, but still be anxiously waiting for my transfer decision from Stanford.</p>
<p>By the way, what is the significance of 5620 points? I don't get it.</p>
<p>The worst possible scenario is that I go to UT (accepted by law) have tons of fun soaking in the live music capital of the world. Hang out with 40,000 other undergrads (I'll never get bored right) and have a overall fun time. This is if I get rejected to all 6 other schools I applied to and go into a state of depression for atleast 2 months. </p>
<p>Or I could somehow die in a freak gardening accident (Spinal Tap anyone? ^^ )</p>
<p>worst that can happen is i get rejected from pricneton and i go to cerritos community college and spend my life studying basic math and science.</p>
<p>the best that can happen is that i get waitlisted at princeton then get rejected and go to cerritos community college and spend my life studying basic math and science. </p>
<p>hm.....im applying to about 10 unis inc Pton. the worst case scenario is that....i get rejected by ALL the schools and get stuck with Auck Uni (in NZ). Of course it's the best school in NZ but compared with Pton and others? ........speechless</p>
<p>If it's not at Princeton... then Harvard<em>Here</em>I_Come!</p>
<p>Umm.... well, I am also applying to Harvard, Cornell (school of arts and sciences), Brown, JHU, Carnegie Mellon, William and Mary, UVa, and my state school UMD-Coll. Park.</p>
<p>I'd be happy at all of them! I spent lots of time picking out only the ones I found compatible to me (with the exceptions of Harvard and Brown, 2 schools that my parents want me to apply to)</p>
<p>Worst case scenario for me? Returning to Guatemala and teaching English to children while increasing my knowledge of Spanish and learning more about their culture and history. I was planning on majoring in Latin American Studies & Spanish anyway! The worst that can happen is actually looking pretty darn good to me! Whatever happens, it's going to be GREAT!</p>
<p>worldshopper, that sounds like so much fun! This guy at my school went to Honduras... or Nicaragua with the AMIGOS program. I wish I had done it (yeah, but it cost him $3000, and he only did it to have a "secret weapon" during college admissions... he told me this.)</p>
<p>I don't know if I would describe it as "fun" but more along the lines of eye-opening and interesting. The only way to go "on the cheap" is to go by yourself without any help from an organization. It's a little risky, but I guess that is part of the adventure! My goal was not to volunteer there, but to go to school. However, volunteering ended up being the highlight of my trip. And by the way, 5 hours of Spanish instruction a day and room and board (including 2 meals) was $20 - no kidding!</p>
<p>Yea, i'll watch Spanglish right after Beautiful Mind, lol. It is true, both were quite good movies, but you cannot compare Beautiful Mind with Spanglish. Hopefully there are no ED charlatans and Beautiful Mind kool aid drinkers in this board.</p>
<p>Worst case: I got accepted at Michigan, so I'll be at their honors college. Ann Arbor is pretty nice, but I can see myself about a million other places after Princeton and before U of M: Northwestern, William and Mary, Brown, Georgetown...I guess I'm just sick of living in Michigan.</p>