Nothing is wasted in life

Colleges & Universities University of Virginia
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<p>I made this thread to help myself, and maybe help others who feel the same way that I do.</p>

<p>I was a transfer applicant to UVA College of Arts and Sciences. When I applied to UVA from high school my ignorance led me to believe that I actually had a chance of getting in. Despite the fact that I had received numerous C’s and even some D’s throughout my high school years. My mind was so naive that I thought I could fall back on the B’s I managed to scrap by with. I came up with all sorts of explanations to justify my reason to apply. I was denied admission and I was disgusted with myself. My entire four years of high school I was just skating by, hardly putting in effort and thinking that I could still get whatever I wanted in life.</p>

<p>I graduated high school in May of 2007 with a 3.5 GPA, in the 47th percentile of my class. I then went to a 4 year college, which I am currently in right now. I strongly dislike the college I am currently attending. It is so close to my home, it is in the middle of a city, it has a reputation for being “the college that all the slackers go to.” I was distraught. However, I told myself that I wasn’t going to make the same mistake that I had made all throughout high school. I wanted to make something of myself, and do well.</p>

<p>I finished my first semester with a 4.0 taking 15 credits. I was ecstatic. I had never applied myself as much as I did during my first semester of college. I began to see what I was capable of when I showed effort. I knew I wanted to leave my current university and go to UVA, which was my dream school. UVA has everything I could possibly want, a beautiful campus, motivated students and faculty, excellent reputation, great sports teams, and more. I applied to UVA as a transfer after getting a professor recommendation and spending countless hours working on my transfer essays. </p>

<p>After submitting my application I was nervous for over a month, eagerly waiting for the decisions to be posted. I checked the transfer blog, and Dean J’s blog everyday multiple times. I posted comments on the blogs. I was addicted to the idea of attending this university. I had worked hard and wanted to attend UVA more than anything else I could imagine. I still told myself to think rationally and not get my hopes up. I knew that my high school record which was average to say the best, and my SAT scores were mediocre. I still had hope though, that maybe my upward trend would demonstrate my newfound outlook on life. I was a new man, and I was trying to distance myself from my past.</p>

<p>Today, April 25, 2008, I came to find out on the transfer blog that UVA would be posting the transfer decisions early. The moment I read that notice, my heart beat was erratic, and loud. I knew that today was the day I had been waiting for since the moment I graduated high school. The day to see whether I would get a second chance in life, to go to a prestigious university, work hard, and make a life that I would be happy with. I clicked on the status report online on UVA’s application website, and my heart which was beating so fast, was, in an instant, stopped. I read the line, “Admission: Not Offered.”</p>

<p>I didn’t know what to do at first, the feeling was like everything around me was still, frozen in time, and that I was able to just think. To sit there and let what just happened sink in. I didn’t know whether to cry, let out a nervous laugh, or yell. I chose to just sit there…staring at the screen. </p>

<p>I know that one semester of good college work doesn’t make up for 4 years of blissful ignorance. However, like any other human being I had hope, I prayed, I wished, and in an instant it all disappeared. I’m not writing this post for drama, or for reconsideration of my application. I am well aware that I deserved my outcome. I am just here to say that, no matter how hard you try, prepare and train yourself, you are never quite ready for one of Life’s “Shocks.” You can see it coming, but the shock is indescribable. </p>

<p>I currently am in my second semester of my freshman year. I had hopes of leaving this place and attending UVA in the fall, but that isn’t happening. As hard as it is for me to comprehend, and understand, I have to stay here for another year. I will, however, continue to work hard and always show persistence and dedication, towards everything I do. I love UVA, and being rejected for a 2nd time won’t stop me from trying again. I am not bitter, if anything my eyes have been opened. I have improved from high school and I am happy, but I will continue my pursuit in bettering myself. I wanted to end with this quote, which comforts me during times such as this one, </p>

<p>“Satisfaction lies in the effort, not in the attainment. Full effort is full victory.”</p>

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<p>sudstar–As a mom, you sound like a winner to me. UVA is very, very difficult to get into (as you know!), probably even moreso as a transfer. You can apply again next year or stay put. I don’t know how unhappy you are at your present school, but I’ve told both of my girls that they can find a niche and be happy almost anywhere, if they try. Best of luck to you!</p>

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<p>I remember walking around the Wellesley campus three years ago, before my niece’s graduation. Banners were hung from poles and trees everywhere I looked, with the names of successful women who had thrived there–Hillary Clinton, Madeleine Albright, Diane Sawyer. Don’t discourage your daughter if she chooses Smith over Harvard (or whatever). It belongs up there with the best of them!</p>

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<p>This is heart wrenching. But good luck. Everything will turn out fine.</p>

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<p>I feel bad for you bro. Unfortunately, I dont think there is anythign I can say to make you feel better. </p>

<p>I believe there is a larger plan for our lives that we cannot comprehend. God does things in your life that may not make sense, but are done to help you. Garth Brooks said it best, “Sometimes I thank God for unanswered prayers”. Just stay focused on what matters and positive things will happen.</p>

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<p>Sudstar, as I read your post, my heart wrenched for you as a tear rolled down my cheek. You are an amazing person (and I don’t hand out compliments) and a person that any college would be lucky to have. You personify the message that many on this board give: ** If you work hard, you will succeed no matter where you go. ** And you, my friend, will succeed. </p>

<p>There’s another quote that I love that you may be interested in.</p>

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<p>You have certainly risen to the opportunity that life has presented you. Keep up your work, your dedication, and passion; it will pay off. As ercmilla said, there’s a reason for everything. A blessing can sometimes be dressed up as a rejection. In 50 years, this won’t matter.</p>

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<p>Prospectives: Keep this in mind. Your attitude towards any endeavor in life should be along these lines. Sudstar, God bless you a hundred times over. And you truly are a star.</p>

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<p>Oops! My #3 post somehow ended up on the wrong thread. Alas!</p>

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<p>Thanks for all the warm remarks by everyone. It’s been comforting.</p>

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<p>Am I in a parallel universe? Have grades been so inflated that a 3.5 GPA is considered bad?</p>

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<p>how do you even get a 3.5 with C’s and D’s counterbalanced by B’s? I’m confused.</p>

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<p>I had A’s as well, just the majority of my grades were B’s. I also took all Honors classes, so that added to my GPA. The 3.5 GPA was a weighted GPA, unweighted was lower, not sure how much lower.</p>

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<p>sudstar: Check your inbox, I just sent you a PM.</p>

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<p>sudstar, definitely apply to UVA again in the near future and try your luck. I know a girl who applied here four times before she finally got accepted. Continue to persevere!</p>

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<p>sudstar, I, too, got teared up as I read your post. I hope to see you here someday.</p>

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<p>me too.</p>

<p>Hang in there.</p>

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<p>Thanks everyone. I plan on taking some summer classes so that I can finish up some pre-reqs, and take some more challenging courses during the fall semester. I know Spring Transfer is very tough, but I plan on applying anyway. Hopefully I will get to see you all at UVA.</p>

<p>Thanks again.</p>

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<p>All the best man.</p>

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<p>Don’t give up hope, definitely apply again next year. With two years of great marks for the admissions committee to look at, they’ll accept you for sure. Get someone to proofread and review your personal letter. And most importantly, try to get to know a good prof in person by going to office hours regularly so that they can write you a fantastic recommendation.</p>

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<p>

This is an excellent point, sudstar. When we only have one semester of college work to look at, we look to the high school transcript pretty heavily. If you apply again next year, with three solid semesters of work behind you, those high school grades won’t be as prominent in your file.</p>

<p>I’m sorry things didn’t work out for you. Hang in there and let me know if you need anything in the future.</p>

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<p>Have you considered looking at other schools to transfer into? If you are unhappy where you are- perhaps you should expand your options and find other schools that might meet your needs.</p>