<p>Why do I feel like an ingrate? So, early in my senior year I visited UC San Diego and I thought that I could not possibly be more content if I were to be accepted there. A few weeks ago, I was accepted into Cornell University and I am currently astounded and honored that they would accept me into such a great university and I am dying to attend. But, I was accepted into UC San Diego yesterday and I was pretty indifferent about it because I am already guaranteed Cornell. So it’s funny, the college I wanted to go to so badly, I have now become indifferent about… And I feel like an ingrate because I already have been accepted to Cornell which I will be extremely blessed and privileged to attend, yet I cannot say that I am not anxious for Mar 29th. On the 29th, we will hear from Princeton and Harvard which are truly my top choices, but I feel bad because no one in their right mind should reject Cornell. Human nature towards greed much? Anyone in a similar position? I hope they both reject me.</p>
<p>2 years ago I never had any thought of even possibly going to HYPSM…
Then I see people around me get in, and think to myself, “Hey, I have equal, if not better qualifications than those people.”</p>
<p>I’m a little bitter that Yale admitted SCEA one of my classmates and deferred me. Especially because he’s not really a very studious person, or even a nice person that I can be like, hey, good for you, and based on grades/standardized testing/leadership/participation in extracurriculars, I certainly outperformed him… But I suppose you can’t compete with legacy/not having the burden of affirmative action.</p>
<p>Honestly having gone through the application process, I’m not even certain what I want to be doing anymore. I feel it’s a matter of pride to at least say, I put my time, effort, and commitment into these things for the past… entire academic career, got 2400 first attempt on the SAT, 3x800 subject tests, maxed out my courseload while maintaining near-perfect grades- and spent as much of my spare time as possible in trying to participate in stuff outside of school, sports, activities, trying though, to do stuff only because I was interested in it- I feel that I’ve achieved as much as I could- and I just want that to have been enough to get me into HYP…</p>
<p>But hey, maybe some people will think of that as selfish.</p>
<p>@ScholarAthlete: Think about it this way: in Sept, you can only occupy one bed. All the others you reject will be filled with grateful students, very happy to have your spot. When I was in your shoes, I had 7 acceptances & no rejects. Six schools were able to give my spot to other kids. Plus all schools admit a number based on past yields and many also work with waitlists to ensure there are few if any unfilled slots.</p>
<p>@xabox: congrats on your achievements to date. As difficult as it may seem, try not to focus on your rival. Frankly you don’t know what about his file that really grabbed the admissions office. As an alum of one of your target schools, I can tell you that outsiders view an HYP degree as a crown of honor. It’s not. It was a wonderful experience but I’m confident that if I had not attended where I did, the things that are important to me now and what I value – I believe would still be the same. You’ve achieved an enormous amount already and are slated for a very successful college career. If you think that’s only validated by an accept at an HYP-type school, then let me assure you that that thinking is too short-sighted. Been there done that. That’s my absolute conviction. Good luck to you.</p>
<p>I definitely feel you. I live in a state with a really highly regarded public system. I’ve been accepted to both of the flagships and, at the time, I didn’t care. I was too bent out of shape and bitter about a Yale SCEA deferral. I brushed off what really is a great accomplishment (that tons of people never got/get) because I was holding myself to an even higher, almost unattainable standard.</p>
<p>I moved past it and am excited for Thursday, but not in the same way that I was looking forward to November 15. Cornell is a great school and I know two kids who are going, go if you want! It doesn’t make any difference to me. :)</p>