<p>To the class of 2009 (and maybe to the class of 2008),</p>
<p>There have been a wealth of letters written lately by loving and caring adults (Taomom, anyone? god, that letter just made my day) that speak to the thousands upon thousands of graduating seniors this year who perhaps did not get into a top choice college. Perhaps did not get into any. Perhaps did not even apply. Perhaps got into everywhere they applied. These letters have been inspirational and comforting to many CCers and should be valued. I want to write my own letter to the CC community too. The difference between mine and the eloquent ones written by others is that I’m a graduating senior myself, and I almost think of this letter as my way of putting this whole process into perspective. </p>
<p>The reason this letter is addressed to the class of 2009 more so than the class of 2008 is because it is a letter of precaution and warning and advice. College admissions have become incredibly competitive only because there is a growing multitude of bright and intelligent minds, and these top colleges can only admit so many students. Now then…For the precautionary part. How can a top institution (ivies, Amherst, Middlebury, MIT, Stanford, etc) select the best of these bright minds? I know some people deny it while others preach it, but I think everyone needs to understand that colleges will look at an applicant’s “passions,” personality, ECs, essays AFTER they have determined that the applicant’s GPA is high and the test scores are impressive. Now then, things like URM status, athletic participation, or legacy status can allow for some leeway, but otherwise, don’t kid yourself like I did; work very hard in high school and study hard for top scores. While doing this, create a social and extracurricular life for yourself. Join that club. Play that instrument. Study that language. </p>
<p>I did okay in high school, not great; 3.4GPA, 28ACT, took AP and college courses, etc. And I had some extracurricular passions, commitments, and interests outside of school with visual arts, foreign languages, and various jobs. My interest in foreign languages, literature, and art led me to apply to several high tier liberal arts colleges. I applied to Middlebury, Oberlin, Reed, Lewis and Clark, Skidmore, Connecticut College, Grinnell, Macalester, Vassar, Whitman. I wrote dedicated “why” essays," worked hard on personal statements, and left the majority of my interviews feeling positive. I even had my Whitman interviewer tell me that I was “one of the most interesting applicants she had come across,” and my Middlebury interviewer tell me that “I’m the kind of the person that would succeed and do well at Middlebury.” See, when I applied to these colleges, I knew I lacked in academic excellence. So I did all I could to show interest, to show that I could really contribute to the school, and show that I was different.</p>
<p>The result? I applied EA to LClark, got in. ED1 to Vassar, rejected. Rejected by all my other colleges, waitlisted at Grinnell and Connecticut. I knew I applied to a lot of reach schools, but I just wanted to shoot for the stars and do my best. I poured my heart and soul into each application and tried to leap off of paper. Friends and teachers said that I would get in here or there, but I’ve ultimately been left with one acceptance and 2 waitlists. But don’t think incorrectly; I’m thrilled to be in at Lewis and Clark. I would love to go there. And I have a shot at admission with Grinnell because my Dad went there and I’ve sent some nice supplemental materials. No matter what happens, I know I’ll be where I should be next year, and I’m incredibly excited to start a new chapter in my life. But I was initially distraught. I felt like I couldn’t get in anywhere, like I wasn’t worth anything, that all my hard work could not amount to anything just because I didn’t have that 4.0 and perfect score. </p>
<p>But then I realize I’m not the only one. That tons of kids have similar issues. And then I read letters like those by Taomom, and my world brightens. But at the same time…I can’t help but come to grips with a biting reality. College admissions is crapshoot in some ways, but it really does all come down to your academic achievement more than anything else. You want to get into Amherst? You better have done well in high school. It doesn’t matter how passionate and eccentric you try to appear on paper. These colleges are looking for well rounded students in every aspect of high school life. Yes, ECs and essays are important, but academics are most important. I’m just saying this because I wasn’t prepared for this truth, and part of me thought I could get in. </p>
<p>But with the help and comfort of this board, family, and friends, I’ve come to know that these colleges weren’t telling me that I’m a bad person. They just didn’t have enough space. My advice to you, upcoming senior class of 2009, is that you be aware of a reality, but also that you know that should you be rejected from an institution, know that it is not a judgment on you as a person. Just say to yourself that it was their loss anyway. When you think about the type of applicant these schools draw, and the kind-hearted and intelligent nature of the students at these schools, know that every applicant could probably benefit the school. There’s just not enough space. </p>
<p>I don’t really know what this letter is anymore. Part of it was a rant. Part of it was me trying to sound comforting to those who may have been rejected by colleges of choice this year. But all of it was me writing down what I feel to be true. Congratulations to all graduating seniors. You’ve worked hard and are bound to go places in life. And good luck to next year’s seniors. I’m telling you, college admissions are going to be absolutely insane next year knowing how amazing all of you are.</p>
<p>Thanks for reading!
-onilawliet</p>
Very eloquently written!!