I'll Admit It . . .

[Anonymous]

We learned yesterday that my DS was waitlisted at a college from which his father and I both graduated. Admissions have become much more competitive over the past 25+ years, but I still thought he would be accepted. I think he would be very happy there but also think they waitlisted him because he was a 'legacy' and it's probably easier than an outright rejection. So I admit it: I hid myself away and cried and cried last night. I really didn't think I'd get so invested in the outcome of this process; after all, he's the one who has to go to college, not me. But he seemed so down; it broke my heart. And I was hoping he'd be close by, but it looks like he'll be 6+ hours away, based on the schools to which he's been accepted. I know this is not a big problem in the grand scheme of things, but it just makes me sad. No questions here, just a vent.

[Anonymous]

You cried because this was a tangible experience you could know would secure your son's happiness. The other options will secure his happiness too you just don't know it first hand. Let him revisit the schools and get excited for what is possible. The more unique his experiences the more confident he will be in the long run. Oh and let him pick the school, really. Show your trust him and allow yourself to be happy for his new adventure .

[Anonymous]

I'm sorry, OP, that must be disappointing. But I'm sure your DS can be happy at any of dozens of colleges.

I will not be sad if DS is rejected/waitlisted at the college from which his father and I both graduated, I will be pissed TBH. But since he doesn't want to go there anyway, it won't matter either way, LOL.

[Anonymous]

I was disappointed too, but not surprised. We knew it was a stretch (Ivy), but DC really liked it. As it turned out DC was waitlisted at several colleges so ended up at a bit of a safety and it has been fabulous.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I was disappointed too, but not surprised. We knew it was a stretch (Ivy), but DC really liked it. As it turned out DC was waitlisted at several colleges so ended up at a bit of a safety and it has been fabulous.

This is true for so many kids I know -- really, OP, you need to move on, focus on the future and the exciting possibilities that it holds, and help your child do the same.

[Anonymous]

Don't take no for an answer. Press them and be the squeaky wheel.

[Anonymous]

It makes answering those alumni giving calls awkward.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Don't take no for an answer. Press them and be the squeaky wheel.

Time to press is over.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It makes answering those alumni giving calls awkward.

Honestly it doesn't. While I would have liked for my kid to be accepted I know that plenty of other alum kids weren't admitted either. With admission rates under 10% that's life. It doesn't diminish the value I got from my education though.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We learned yesterday that my DS was waitlisted at a college from which his father and I both graduated. Admissions have become much more competitive over the past 25+ years, but I still thought he would be accepted. I think he would be very happy there but also think they waitlisted him because he was a 'legacy' and it's probably easier than an outright rejection. So I admit it: I hid myself away and cried and cried last night. I really didn't think I'd get so invested in the outcome of this process; after all, he's the one who has to go to college, not me. But he seemed so down; it broke my heart. And I was hoping he'd be close by, but it looks like he'll be 6+ hours away, based on the schools to which he's been accepted. I know this is not a big problem in the grand scheme of things, but it just makes me sad. No questions here, just a vent.

My daughter and her friends are dealing with college acceptances and rejections now. Isn't it awful? My heart just breaks for them and there really is no rhyme nor reason to it. When you hear things like "X College wait lists all that didn't visit", etc, it clearly isn't personal, but it still hurts.

My daughter was accepted to one college where I'd prefer not to see her go. I don't think it's a match at all and it's in crappy area to boot. I'm hoping she gets into one of the next three that will respond, as if she does, I'd rather see her go there (and she wants to). I've decided that I will travel often to see her and try to grow my business in that area as an excuse (all these colleges are 10+ hours from home). It will also get me out of this area, which I've grown to dislike.

I feel your pain OP, I truly do.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It makes answering those alumni giving calls awkward.

Honestly it doesn't. While I would have liked for my kid to be accepted I know that plenty of other alum kids weren't admitted either. With admission rates under 10% that's life. It doesn't diminish the value I got from my education though.

Common app and foreign students have screwed us.

[Anonymous]

Many schools only give legacy preference for ED applicants. Also wait listed is not rejected. Particularly if you and DH have been active alumni and donors they may respond to a discussion if it truly is first choice. Not sure it is over quite yet if you don't want it to be.

[Anonymous]

Press you school to write an additional letter to the college stating it is your child's first choice. Pay the deposit for his next option. Harvard has the Z-list for this type of situation where the student must take a gap year and attend the following year.

Good luck!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It makes answering those alumni giving calls awkward.

Honestly it doesn't. While I would have liked for my kid to be accepted I know that plenty of other alum kids weren't admitted either. With admission rates under 10% that's life. It doesn't diminish the value I got from my education though.

Common app and foreign students have screwed us.

CA, yes, but not b/c of international kids.

[Anonymous]

It's odd but we've found there is a certain area of the country that's more receptive to both of our kids. They are blooming where they have been transplanted.