GoldOwl

Hello fellow CCers!

I know that many of you are anxiously awaiting college decisions. I remember being in your situation merely one year ago…having a near panic attack in class, obsessively counting down to that fateful 5:00 pm time, believing that my entire future rested on these fateful college decisions. Believe me; I understand how you feel.
As some of you may have already figured out, I am currently a freshman in the Vagelos MLS program at the University of Pennsylvania. To be honest, Penn was far from my first choice. I absolutely abhorred the idea of attending an institution that is located in the “ghetto” of West Philly, dominated by conceited Whartonites, and often confused with Penn State. Instead, my dream colleges at the time were Princeton and Columbia. Therefore, when I read the words “I’m sorry to inform you…”, I was absolutely devastated. At that moment, all I could think of was that all my hard work had been for nothing and that I was going to end up at some college that I didn’t even want to apply to in the first place.
Now, nearly one year later, I honestly cannot imagine myself at any other college. I have come to love the diverse people of West Philly, the undeniable advantages that Wharton brings to even non-Whartonites, and the humorous “NOT Penn State” t-shirts worn around campus. I feel so fortunate to have to opportunity to interact with so many accomplished students and faculty members whom never fail to inspire me. Just a few days ago, I was sitting outside the Quad enjoying the 70 degree weather. As I looked around and observed the students tossing a Frisbee, the music playing from the balcony, and the great company of friends I had around me, I realized that I had chosen the right school.
The reason I am writing this is not to scold you for fretting over college admissions nor to promote Penn as an institution. Instead, I am here to reassure you that each and every one of you will find your “dream” school, whether or not it is the one you have in mind right now. No matter what happens at 5:00 pm, it is NOT the end of the world. Rather, it is a new beginning; college is such an exciting and life-changing opportunity and it is inevitable that you will find amazing friends, adventures, and memories wherever you attend. Finally, please do not allow college decisions to define you. You are defined by the intellectual vitality you bring to the classroom, the admirable leadership you provide to your peers, the number of lives you’ve touched through your volunteer work, and the inspiration you provide to all those around you. Please do not allow these accomplishments to be overshadowed by a mere college rejection.
With that being said, I would like to wish each and every one of you best of luck tomorrow! You guys are such an amazing and accomplished group of individuals and I have no doubt that you will achieve success regardless of your college choice.

Techhexium

Thank you for posting this. This year admission decisions seem to be more arbitrary than before. I don't have decent stats for getting into a top school but I was very surprised that I couldn't get into some schools I thought would have been safeties/matches like UC Irvine. But I did get accepted to a UC I didn't think much about before, and after I done some research I may plan on going there for the next four years.

GoldOwl

bump...10char

Tristesse

Thanks for this perspective, GoldOwl! I'm glad you're having an awesome time at Penn! :-)

calishanghai

This is absolutely awesome.

porkperson

even more excited to go to college now!

intlstudent2016

GoldOwl---this is well said!
My child's first ED choice was UPenn but we (parents) were able to encourage him to change to Stanford as restricted early action and UPenn to regular for the only reason that Stanford is closer to our relatives in San Francisco, academic-wise it really didn't matter!
Anyways, come December 15 for the results and the email said it all --" I am very sorry to let you know that we are unable to offer you admission to Stanford University."
My child was devastated but got over it, the Dean of Admission's article was a reassurance if that's the right word! http://files.e2ma.net/37634/assets/d...aw_rea2010.pdf

Then my child was given an interview from a UPenn alumni that change my child's perspective maybe forever!
During that meeting interview, the alumni suggested to try applying at NYU, luckily NYU still has the early decision II, the alumni was from NY and he said part reason why he went to UPenn was because he wanted to get out of NY.
We sent the applications on time, then at exactly Feb 15 my child got an acceptance at NYU Class 2016!

I believed everything was meant to be! and not getting into your "dream" school is not the end of the world after all!
My child didn't have a "dream" school, the colleges were chosen based on what they can offer to his/her future and not just for the sake of being in a "prestige" school.

"An undergraduate degree from Stanford, or an Ivy League college, may well end up being only one line at the bottom of a resume. What parents and college applicants across the country need to remember is that the news they receive, whether good or bad, is but a single step on a much longer journey." ~Richard H. Shaw, Dean of Admission, Stanford


...please excuse the long reply, just thought I'd share as a proud Mum! :-)

GoldOwl

Thank you so much for the positive feedback everyone!

@calishanghai & @porkperson:
Congrats!! You guys are going to have an AMAZING time at Penn. Feel free to PM me if you have any questions about anything

@intlstudent2016:
Congrats to your son!! I agree with you completely! NYU is an amazing school and I wish your child best of luck there!!