College Admissions revisited

Looking back to year ago, I was in the same position as many other high school seniors. Rejected by my dream school, I was resigned to going to a school that could at best be considered a reasonable alternative. I admit, I asked myself countless times the big "What if?" question. What if I tried harder? What if I spent more time on my application essays? What if I took the SATs one more time? I know, I get it. These questions all boiled down to: Why wasn't I good enough? What did I lack? Inevitably, I compared myself to those who were successful, who were over the moon with joy, and all I got was a bitter taste in my mouth and a lot of self resentment.

That's why I want to say to you guys out there who understand 100% of everything that I'm saying, that it's okay. You're going to be alright. Yes, you only live once; yes, college determines a lot of your future. But do you know what makes a bigger impact than the brand name of your school? You. Your actions. Your choices. Your hard work. Going to a top ten school or an Ivy does not make you a better, smarter, or greater person. On the same token, not going to a top ten school or Ivy does not make you inferior in any sense. I know that deep down we all recognize this but can't help but to feel slighted by the words "I'm sorry to inform you..." and the lame effort to sweeten up, "we had a highly competitive applicant pool this year." But honestly, you will meet bright students no matter where you go. You will be challenged. You will grow as person. Do not see rejection as a limitation of what you can do, rather see it as a different path and an opportunity.

College, in it's very essence, is a time of experimentation, and experience. A good school will give you opportunities but capitalizing on those opportunities is your own responsibility. A good student will be able to find and use opportunities to their advantage regardless of whether or not the school provides it.

Rejection is not the end of anything. Sure it closes one door, but there are plenty more to choose from. This is not the end; it is rather, the start of the rest of your life.

So instead of lamenting your fate, ask yourself: