<p>I thought maybe I had a slight chance at Exeter. I thought my maybe my passion and dedication for mathematics and physics would be obvious. I had stayed up during the wee hours doing physics, I had taken algebra 1 in 9th grade, yet currently as a 10th grader, I have managed to get to the point of self teaching multivariable calculus this coming summer, and my essays and recommendations were truly great. I guess I was rejected because my GPA and test scores were too low, plus I needed full FA. I also applied for Junior year. Now I am going to take these reasons for rejection (but really), put them into a bottle, and throw that darn bottle into the ocean. </p>
<p>As a parent, I am going to once again chime in to say that I don’t think dwelling on the whys and what ifs is going to be that healthy for you or any student dealing with bad news right now. It may be a natural reaction, but I think it will lead to feeling even worse — even if you do intend on throwing “that darn bottle into the ocean”. The ocean has a tendency to bring that bottle right back to shore/you.</p>
<p>As others have noted, at selective schools, it’s a crapshoot. You could have the same stats as another person who just happens to play the flute and they need a flute-player.</p>
<p>FWIW, I don’t think Exeter is doing anyone any favors by publishing those stories a handful of truly stand out applicants.</p>
<p>SevenDad is right. It is a crapshoot. The fact is, there are many more applicants than available spots. Even if there were 1000 applicants with identical, perfect stats, more than half of them would have to be rejected. Don’t beat yourself up here. I’m sorry that it didn’t work out for you, but now you need to move on. Take that passion and dedication and nurture them. They will serve you well as you go forward, I promise. </p>
<p>@SevenDad @cameo43 They posted info for four kids, right? And what annoys the bageebers out of me is that 2 of 4 of those were kids who’d traveled. the world. What does someone need to travel the world?</p>
<p>Money.</p>
<p>^^^Or a parent in the military?</p>