College Acceptances

It’s that time of year again. Seniors are checking mailboxes frantically, clicking on portals to check application updates between classes and generally succumbing to the madness that accompanies college acceptances. As responses pour in, it’s important to take a step back and take a deep breath. Read on to find out some tips for dealing with responses of all kinds, from rejections to acceptances.

Rejection
So, you’ve been waiting to attend Harvard since kindergarten, with your room as covered in paraphernalia as Rory Gilmore’s. The letter comes. “We regret to inform you…” is typewritten on the page, signifying that you are not among the seven percent of applicants who were accepted to the university.

Whether you’ve been rejected from an Ivy League, a UC or a state school, rejection can be difficult to face. However, there are a few considerations to think about. First, remember the enormous amount of competition to get into college. This year is extremely impacted, making the process more challenging than ever before. You have already taken the initiative to gain a college education, and you will still have one. Next, try not to take the rejection personally. The college is not pronouncing you a deficient human being; they simply do not have room to admit every student, despite outstanding qualifications from many. They may have had a higher number of applicants for a certain major or activity. Also consider that you will attend the college you are meant to attend. Acceptance to an academically rigorous college that does not fit your skill level will only result in frustration and disappointment.

Despite these practical considerations, you may feel down-in-the-dumps for a few days or weeks. Take some time to recover without going overboard; do not down an entire gallon of chocolate ice cream, but punch some pillows or write an angry letter to the college (that you won’t actually send) if necessary. Talk to some friends who also received rejections to remind yourself that you’re not alone.

In extraordinary circumstances, appealing the college’s decision may be an option. At Presentation, the college counselors have a strict policy about appeals: you must commit to going to the college if accepted on appeal. This is because of the large amount of work and time necessary for the appeals process. If you are willing to appeal, you must be absolutely sure that you will attend the college.

So, what constitutes eligibility to appeal? You may appeal a college decision only if extraordinary circumstances were not included in your original application. For example, if a family member had a terminal illness that transferred the care of the family to you and thus lowered your grades, college would be interested in the information. If these circumstances were not mentioned in the original application, an appeal would be appropriate. Perhaps the grades filled in on the application were entered incorrectly, or a major activity was not included. Simply wanting to get into a college is not a suitable case for an appeal. If you are serious about appealing to the college, first commit to another college that has guaranteed you admission. You can withdraw your commitment if the appeal is granted. Then, make sure to follow the steps for the particular school very carefully, and meet with your college counselor for more detailed information.

Rejection is an integral part of the human experience. Take a deep breath, look at the other doors opened invitingly and soldier on.

Wait-Listed
This year, the UC campuses are employing wait lists for the first time because of the large number of qualified applicants they do not have room for. Depending on how attached you feel to the college, you can decide either to keep your name on the wait list or withdraw it. Wait lists vary by college. Some have wait lists of thousands that give a very small chance of admission, while others have short wait lists that have larger chances of admission. If you would like to remain on the wait list, you must respond to the college’s offer to confirm. Like the appeals process, be sure to commit to another college that has guaranteed your admission in case the wait list college does not work out.

Accepted
Congratulations! You are going to college! A university has decided to welcome you on campus for four years of opportunity and adventure. Once you have all of your acceptance and rejection letters, it is time for decisions. Follow this process in order to make the transition smoothly.

First, take some time to celebrate. Go out to dinner with your family, enjoy some frozen yogurt with your friends or buy sweatshirts of each college you gained acceptance to. Walk around with a smile plastered to your collegiate visage for a while.

Review your financial aid awards. If money is an issue for your family (college is an expensive commodity), look realistically at the colleges you have applied to and whether they have offered you financial aid. If you simply cannot afford a school, it may come off of your list.

Visit each college, if you have not already. Take a tour of the campus, and attend classes with a current student if necessary. Explore the surrounding area to gain a greater sense of the community. Attend a sports game, stay the night with someone you know and have a meal on campus. Immerse yourself in the culture. After each visit, write down your immediate impressions while they are clear in your mind. Is this a place you can imagine yourself living for four years?

Prioritize. Begin to rank your colleges from first choice to last choice. If you cannot decide between two, make a pro and con list. Review how you felt when visiting both of them. If you have decided on a major, consider which college has a stronger program and internship opportunities for your career of interest. When you feel certain, make your decision!

As soon as your decision is made, make sure to withdraw your other applications. Other students who really want to attend those colleges are on wait lists, waiting for students to withdraw their names. Give someone else the satisfaction of an acceptance. Next, accept your offer of admission from your chosen college and submit your Statement of Intent to Register by May 1. Apply for housing as soon as possible, since it operates on a first come, first serve basis. Send in your deposit and accept your financial aid award. If your college provides the opportunity to apply for further scholarships, apply for them as soon as possible. In April, more information will be sent out regarding placement examinations for the colleges in order to find out which level math or English class you will enter. Mark freshman orientation on your calendar.

Finally, make sure that you remember to keep focus on your current schoolwork. The second-semester senioritis can be quite alluring, especially when combined with spring fever. However, colleges have the power to withdraw your admission offer if your grades slip significantly. Plus, an A means that you won’t have to take the class final! Enjoy your last few months of high school, and embrace the college you have chosen. It’s been a long road, and your reward is waiting.