Accepted or Rejected

The process of getting into college can be an exciting, draining, and emotional roller coaster. I think the most challenging part of it all is that in the end, you don’t have control over the final decision. You can present the best grades, the most competitive test scores, the most compelling personal statement and still not get into your top pick college or university. Or, one day you might come home and see the "big envelope" that tells you your best wasn't enough. Either way, its important to remain confident and keep your options open.

I am very please to inform you of your acceptance into XXX as a freshman for Fall 2010…"

Congratulations!!! Throw yourself a party, call all your friends and relatives because you should be proud of yourself for getting into college, especially if you are the first in your family to go. This is the time to celebrate because soon enough you’ll be pulling all nighters, working on campus and competing with the best of the best. The best thing you can do for yourself is to get prepared for one of the most transitional points in your life. There’s a lot to think about: dorm life, being away from your family, finding support and resources, maintaining a good academic standing, gaining weight….there’s a lot. So do what you can ahead of time.

Don’t stop after the first sentence of the acceptance letter. Remember to:

- Look for important deadlines
- Discuss financial options with your family
- Visit the campus and meet new people

"I regret to inform you that we are unable to off you admission into XXX as a freshman for Fall 2010. We had many qualified applicants this year…"

If you see these words, brace yourself because your plan B just might have to become your plan A after all. The worst thing you could do in this situation is beat yourself up over something you had little control over. This is the time when you need to be confident in your skills and trust that although the school you wanted to attend just rejected you, you’re still smart, unique and a perfect fit for somebody’s school…even if you don’t know what that school is yet.

To me, getting rejected from college is a test to see whether or not you’ll accept the rejection and move on, or if you’ll really fight to get in. Yup, that’s right, you can argue the schools decision to deny you acceptance. Every school has a formal appeals process for this, so take advantage if you are certain that they’ve made a mistake. This may not be the most common thing to do, but judging by the first sentence in that rejection letter, you have nothing to lose. I know several people, including myself, who appealed, got accepted, and who are now college graduates of great universities.

What’s special about getting accepted into or rejected from your first choice college is that once you make your transition, you’ll be in the position to help others who will experience the same exciting, draining and emotional roller coaster.

-- Kyle Holland
Brownstone Team