I totally get what you’re saying. I know quite a few kids who were told by friends, parents, teachers, etc. that they would have no problem getting into any school they wanted because they were rock stars in high school. So of course students believe that and are shocked when it doesn’t work out that way through no fault of their own. It’s a disappointment and somewhat embarrassing. My D purposely didn’t tell many people where she was applying because she didn’t want to deal with the reactions from people if she didn’t get in.
I was just talking to a good friend the other day about her daughter who scored a 36 on her ACT. I can tell from talking to her that she thinks this means guaranteed admission where ever she wants to go. I tried to gently tell her that while it’s an amazing accomplishment and it will certainly help with admissions, there are lots of kids with perfect stats denied from schools every year.
Please remember that most of your friends have NO idea what they are talking about. My D was talking to a couple of friends the other day about a mutual friend who everyone thought was destined for an ivy or another tippy-top school. The only school he got into was his one safety. One of my D’s friend said, “He should have applied to XYZ school. He could have gotten in there.” XYZ school is a T20 school that my D attends. The friend had no idea that he HAD applied there and was not admitted. But she just didn’t get that it’s really hard to get into any top school and nothing is guaranteed.
I know quite a few kids who ended the college application process disappointed and felt where they ended up did not match with how hard they worked in high school. However, they did all end up happy where they ended up and are doing well (including D’s friend I mentioned above - he’s thriving!). All you can do at this point is commit yourself to working hard at where ever you end up and making the best of it. Take advantage of the opportunities you have!