<p>My senior year was one filled with rejection. Throughout the year, I was rejected from most colleges(Ivies, top flight schools) and scholarships I applied to. Then I got rejected from some summer programs. I really don’t know why. I have great stats, was the valedictorian of my high school, and won some high level awards too. I’m also Asian but I have struggled with Aspergers for a really long time.</p>
<p>I know I should be happy since I’m still going to a decent college and have good financial aid, but it seems that I suck at selling myself. I can’t convince all these people that I am deserving of these things. I struggle at writing essays for all these things; the prompts aren’t that great to be honest. I am a good writer, its just that these prompts really don’t connect with me. I want to write about science and history, not about what I think of diversity or community service.</p>
<p>And I just gave a great valedictorian speech too. I managed to tell my story and struggles in front of thousands of people. So really, why do I suck at writing good responses to these personal writing prompts. Its been weighing me down for some time now.</p>
<p>Basically I’m not ready to give up on life. I got so much ahead of me but its been tough to deal with rejection. It has taught me the need of persistence. Never before have I needed it so. What I’m asking here is some tips to keep going, some reassurance that my efforts will be paid off in the long run. That if I keep going, I’ll achieve my dreams in the end.</p>
<p>Wanting what doesn’t want you is to want misery.</p>
<p>What everyone ultimately wants is to love something/someone that/who loves them.</p>
<p>Embrace the college that embraced you, because it is the right fit. The others were not. If you could go to one, you would not like it.</p>
<p>Think of it this way: would you want to spend four years trying to date someone “hot” who had no interest in you, or spend four years falling in love with someone who loved you back, realizing the beauty you missed at first glance?</p>
<p>You’re spending four years (about) with this college. Spend it with the college that wants you. The college that wants to help find and make opportunities with you. The college that will empower you and be proud of what you accomplish. The college that will have students who understand you, want to work with, and want to be friends with you.</p>
<p>Enjoy it. Be happy to be rejected; it has eliminated a “bad fit.” It has closed a door that was never open to begin with, and one you wouldn’t have wanted to go through.</p>
<p>^That was beautifully put.</p>
<p>What should I do to better sell myself in the future? My family tells me I tend to be slow in responding to questions and give long explanations. Should I be quicker and less pedantic in my responses?</p>
<p>A really long explanation generally turns people off. Try to be as succinct as possible without coming off as rude.</p>
<p>ok thanks. Do u guys have any other tips?</p>
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<p>You need to turn off your brain and turn on your emotions. Personal prompts need emotion and voice. If your words are true and passionate it should make for a good essay.</p>
<p>Writing prompts for college, and other similar things, are about personality and tone, and not about sounding smart. It doesn’t matter how smart you are with these, it matters if you show yourself. So turning off your brain, like sosomenza said is some of the best advice.</p>
<p>In terms of speaking, you should never ramble. Don’t try to sound intelligent when you speak. The mark of a good writer/speaker is being concise, but still getting your point across. The Declaration of Independence was only 1337 words long.</p>
<p>Passion. That is the key so many people miss.</p>