College Rejection Letters

The final year of high school is riddled with distractions: "Senioritis," hormones and emotional turmoil at a time when major decisions, challenging academic courses and community commitments must be fulfilled.

There are few students who know exacty what career to chose and which colleges to apply to, but after much consideration and planning, decisions are made, college applications and essays are careful written (and rewritten) and finally submitted to the colleges of choice.

Spring arrives and the long anticipated college letters arrive in the mail. After such a build-up, a letter of rejection can be a devastating blow. No matter how confident your teen may be, a rejection letter from the college of choice, is a hard pill to swallow and can lead to some serious angst.

If this happens to your teen, take heart and let them know that they are in extremely good company. Past "rejectees" include Nobel laureates, billionaires, university presidents, constitutional scholars, best-selling authors, leaders in business, media and the arts.

A rejection letter isn't the end of the world, and could be the beginning of a wonderful future. After all, the name and prestige of a college says nothing about the inherent character and potential of the student being rejected. Rather, it is qualities such as compassion, tenacity, work ethic, enterprise and talent that lead to a fully-rounded and contributing member of society.

The rejection letter isn't personal, although it feels very personal. The selection process is complex and isn't just based on test scores, GPA's and admission essays. The students first choice colleges are usually based on reputation, location and family desirability; however parental disappointment shouldn't overshadow the students ability to adapt and be proud of any college they may be accepted into: (It is important to trust your teen's choice over your own).

Take for example Leigh, a Tampa Bay resident, who attended Manatee High School in Bradenton. He left school 6 years ago with 32 Advanced Placement credits, but because of his family finances was unable to attend a college of choice. He stayed at home and took full-time employment as a 911 dispatcher for the Police Department. During this time, he enrolled at the local community college and earned an AA degree, then commuted to continue his education whilst still working his day job.

Leigh worked at the police department for 6 years and during that time obtained 2 Bachelor degrees with almost perfect GPA's. He then sat the LSAT's and scored so well he was accepted into Duke Law school. Today he maintains top grades and has an exceptionally bright future ahead of him.

Leigh's mother says "Adversity isn't always a negative. Having a financial safety net isn't the prerequisite for bringing out the best in our young people. We all value the things we work hard for, more than things that come easy, (or are forced and expected of us).

What is important is that teens find an inner strength necessary for success in all areas of life, rather than cruise across the surface of potential, without immersing fully in the adventure of who they are truly capable of becoming. If everything is handed on a plate, or goes according to plan, there isn't the same need to mature and grow."

(Grad family photos)