The wait is finally over. Over the past few weeks, Seniors have received their college admission decisions, but not all the tears have been tears of joy. Inevitably, some students were disappointed by the results of this long and draining process.

Whether it be from a crush or college, rejection is always difficult. Not getting into the school of your dreams can feel like your entire world has been turned upside down. You might feel tempted to crawl into bed, throw the covers over your head, and never come out. You might think all of your hard work was for nothing and that you’ll never achieve your dreams.

Nevertheless, it’s important to stay positive and remember that colleges’ decisions are not a direct measure of our worth. Sometimes, we get so caught up in the frenzy that we lose touch with reality. So much pressure is placed on students to get admitted to a selective school that students become convinced that anything other than an Ivy League degree will ruin their career prospects for the rest of their lives. 

As evidenced by the recent college admission scandal, college admissions have become so cutthroat and competitive that some parents resort to bribery and fraud in order to gain admittance for their children. On the other hand, brilliant students who have spent their entire lives working to be admitted to an Ivy League school find themselves holding a rejection letter in March. This goes to show that there are many different elements that factor into colleges’ decision-making, some of which seem unfair or are out of your control.

Although it’s difficult to imagine attending college anywhere other than your dream school, try to consider if that school would really have been the best fit for you. Students often place too much emphasis on college rankings and ignore the more important cultural aspects of a school. There are hundreds of amazing colleges out there, and chances are high that you will be able to find success elsewhere and end up loving that school.

If you’ve been rejected from your top choice, it’s okay to feel upset and angry, but don’t let it discourage you. No matter where you go, you’ll have the opportunity to make life-long friendships, pursue your passions, explore new interests, and receive a great education.