Preparing for Rejection; What to do if you Don't get Accepted to Your Dream School

Preparing for Rejection; What to do if you Don't get Accepted to Your Dream School
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Whether it's from the hot guy in class or your favored university, rejection hurts. As many high school seniors anxiously await acceptance letters from colleges and universities hopes - and anxiety levels - are high. What happens if you open the envelope from your dream school, only to see the words, "We regret to inform you..."? In my case; ice cream.

Although I have yet to receive offers of admission, I am mentally preparing myself for the possible travesties. If you've also calculated your odds of acceptance to find they aren't great, that's okay. As long as you know how to prepare and deal with rejection.

Pre-Rejection

Before you open the letter, email, or wait for a call, plan something for later. Weather its dinner with friends, or my plan of eating a pint of ice cream, make sure you have something to look forward to either way. Although you may only want to have a good Netflix and cry session if things don't turn out, follow through with your plans. It will only make you feel better. If you do get rejected take a moment to be sad and then move on; there are other schools.

Make sure you research and get excited about the other colleges you've applied to. Chances are your second, third and even fourth choice universities will all offer something that your first choice doesn't.

Remember that you will probably enjoy whatever school you attend.

Post-Rejection

It happened. No matter how many times you lied to yourself, saying, "I don't care if I get rejected," the disappointment was still there. You think bleakly of what you were hoping would be a celebratory trip to Costco tonight. Now it is sure to consist of the purchase of a four-year emergency food kit so you can become a hermit.

Instead think of the Quidditch team offered at your second choice university and buy a gallon of ice cream. Reflect on life lessons you've learnt through the application and rejection process. At the very least this will prepare you for your parent's backwards way of consoling you.

Although your parents may not be able to make you feel better, ice cream and your second choice college's brochure may help.

Just because it wasn't your first choice doesn't mean it's not the best choice for you. You may end up falling in love with another school. But don't worry if you don't, because you can always apply to transfer next year.

And remember; you can eat ice cream at any college you attend.

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