| Who wants to be rejected? None of us do, but for | | | | test scores. What often times gives one student an |
| teenagers it may be especially painful. Many upon | | | | edge over another is nothing any student can control. |
| receiving the letter that begins "I am sorry to inform | | | | If a college wants more students from the |
| you" are devastated. They have spent four years | | | | Northwest and you live in Kansas, that won't be in |
| studying hard, did test prep for the SAT and ACT, | | | | your favor. If they need more students on the |
| joined activities and became leaders, and poured out | | | | debate team and your strength is drama, there may |
| their hearts on the applications and essays. Why | | | | be other students who better fit the school's needs. |
| wasn't that enough to get accepted? | | | | Help students understand that college decisions are |
| Dealing with college rejection isn't easy for anyone, | | | | often subjective and can appear very random. |
| parents and students alike. High school seniors who | | | | 4. Contact any school where you have been rejected |
| applied to more competitive schools will probably | | | | immediate. Be honest and ask if they can give you |
| experience more rejection than those students who | | | | any specific reasons as to weaknesses in your |
| applied to schools that were less difficult. But | | | | application. If you are wait-listed, indicate that you |
| rejection still hurts. Here are a few tips to help | | | | are still very interested in the school and want to |
| parents and students handle those college rejection | | | | know whether there is anything you can do to |
| letters. | | | | strengthen your chances for admission. Perhaps, an |
| 1. Let students express their emotions and listen to | | | | additional essay might be helpful. What about retaking |
| them. When students have their hearts set on | | | | the SAT or ACT? Never hesitate to send a college |
| particular colleges, rejection signifies to them that | | | | improved semester grades or awards that you |
| they are probably not good enough for any school. | | | | receive. Colleges want to hear from students, not |
| Obviously, they are going to feel upset and this is to | | | | parents. |
| be expected. Let them talk about it as much as they | | | | 5. Focus on your other college choices. There will be |
| wish so their emotions are not bottled up inside. | | | | other acceptances and some may even be better |
| Parents should listen, not advise. | | | | options for you. Colleges want students who are |
| 2. Put the college admissions process in perspective. | | | | resilient and this is a chance for you to demonstrate |
| For most students, this is their first experience with | | | | that important quality. Look at the positives that |
| putting themselves out there for someone to judge. | | | | each school offers and why it might be a good fit |
| With college competition as it is, there are simply too | | | | for your personality. Consider a college visit to see |
| many well qualified students applying to schools with | | | | how the other schools compare. Be open to |
| too few spots available. As a parent, be | | | | opportunities and keep in mind that there are other |
| understanding and compassionate in your | | | | colleges where you can have a happy and successful |
| conversation. | | | | experience. Parents should remind students of their |
| 3. Admissions decisions should not be taken | | | | strengths and what they can bring to a college |
| personally. Most of the time, students applying to | | | | campus. It's not too late to put together a plan and |
| competitive schools have similar grades, courses, and | | | | get started (again). |