<p>Having survived two previous difficult March 10th decision days, I ache for what I know many families are going through today. It’s helpful to see posts from those who didn’t do so well. It seemed for us, at the time, that we were the only ones not completely overjoyed. For every happy poster, there are many who are silently brooding. We know that now but didn’t back then. </p>
<p>In retrospect, I can see that our search and expectations were pathetic. Nonetheless, watching a fragile/emerging teen ego cope with disappointment is gut-wrenching. I remember it well and it all came back during our first college application season. </p>
<p>Yet, we all look back and laugh now. While my kids didn’t end up at their first choice schools, they both love their schools now and can’t imagine why they were pining for anything else. For our college-bound Senior, her current state of gratitude is a joy to behold, and for the younger one, well, talk about a PERFECT fit… Was it a first choice? No. In fact, after an unsuccessful first round he was a June admit with viable FA. If you have no local options and are willing to look around, some of the less famous (but as we’ve learned, very good) boarding schools will still have openings in May/June or even later. </p>
<p>I hope you can take heart in knowing there are probably hundreds (thousands??) of silently grieving families reading these boards today.</p>