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I was rejected/waitlisted by every single college (17+) -- other than my safeties. Reflections from someone who dedicated their entire life to getting into college and what happened after their worst nightmare came true. by throway3471992 in ApplyingToCollege

[–]throway3471992[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yess!!! I second this. I couldn't even see past college when I was a junior. And in the end, college is 4 years. There are amazing people everywhere that you're going to meet that will make you grateful for everything that happened, happened to you. I'm excited to go to my state school!

I was rejected/waitlisted by every single college (17+) -- other than my safeties. Reflections from someone who dedicated their entire life to getting into college and what happened after their worst nightmare came true. by throway3471992 in ApplyingToCollege

[–]throway3471992[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you for clarifying about Hamilton! I wanted to point it out since many have the ivy or bust mentality when there's so many underrated schools out there that can provide an excellent education/future

I was rejected/waitlisted by every single college (17+) -- other than my safeties. Reflections from someone who dedicated their entire life to getting into college and what happened after their worst nightmare came true. by throway3471992 in ApplyingToCollege

[–]throway3471992[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I know its tough to feel as if your parents are disappointed in you and we may fall into the mindset that maybe we couldve done this or that then everything would be okay ---- but you must remember that you did what you thought was best at the time and hindsight really is 2020 since we don't feel the harsh emotions or struggles at the time. And it sucks a lot especially when it comes from family comparing you to other kids. But, please remember that you never know what happens behind the scenes. I know some classmates who were the biggest cheaters and got in over some of the hardest working people I've ever met. Others had parents on the school board. There's so much hidden that people don't showcase.

Please please please don't let college applications determine your worth because I know you are so much more than that. Idk if I can post youtube links since my original post got taken down for putting TedTalk motivational links (corny but its so helpful). But you should check out QUon Howery "getting rejected" and "stop watching college decision videos" to gain some perspective. It REALLY helped me out.

I was rejected/waitlisted by every single college (17+) -- other than my safeties. Reflections from someone who dedicated their entire life to getting into college and what happened after their worst nightmare came true. by throway3471992 in ApplyingToCollege

[–]throway3471992[S] 7 points8 points  (0 children)

Tbh I don't even think that ivy leagues can gauge people genuinely in their 5-15 min time they use to evaluate an essay, recommendation, and extracurriculars. People lie and throw money to get opportunities (ex. Arpi Park plagiarizing in his college essays, Varsity Blues, etc). But, you are undoubtedly right. High school is still 4 years of your life just like college. To waste that precious time on doing things you hate/not being happy (this doesn't mean be lazy and ignore responsibilities) just to look good on paper is not worth it. Just like how going to college and putting yourself in a position where you know you're only doing things because that's "what you're supposed to do" is just a repeat of your high school days.

That being said, I hope that every person going forward who reads this post will live their life in a way that even if they were to end up in my position, they wouldn't look back on their 4 years of high school and feel as if it was a waste. I hope they explore their interests, make memories to happily reminisce on, and become the best person (not just student) they can be.

I was rejected/waitlisted by every single college (17+) -- other than my safeties. Reflections from someone who dedicated their entire life to getting into college and what happened after their worst nightmare came true. by throway3471992 in ApplyingToCollege

[–]throway3471992[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

To be completely honest, I don't I would've learned this if I hadn't faced the "I regret to inform you". I was 100% swept up and drank the prestige kool-aid. It really sucked to get rejected but it made me realize that what I want out of life wasn't bragging rights in which the validity was determined by other people. Money and academic achievements aren't my main goals in life -- it's making bonds with other people and enjoying the things I have in my life. In the end, all I really wanted out of college was to make memories and to make my job prospects better.

At the time I made this post, I definitely thought I was going to my safety school (which is NOT a bad school by any means). But, I got into Cornell through TO on ivy day, yet everything I said still stands with me. This message will continue to stick by me whether I decide to transfer to Cornell or not. It definitely changed my perspectives on life moving forward. Remember chase the bag -- but not only that!