Before ever opening a letter from the college you applied to, you may experience some anxiety. Many others also have similar experiences. If you receive the little envelope, you may be dealing with rejection (unless the school has agreed to waitlist you) and, unfortunately, you may begin to question your self worth.
But do not despair. According to those at collegeboard.com, colleges have many reasons for rejecting students. Your academic standing is not the only factor in a school's decision. Colleges and universities must address the following items: their own needs for a diverse population, strength on sports teams and number of students allowed in a specific degree program.
The best thing to handle rejection is to apply to a variety of different colleges and universities. At collegeboard.com, research shows that nine out of ten students get into their first or second choice college. Persistence pays off - and so does filling out several of those lengthy college applications. Your second choice school is probably still a good fit for you even if it's not your first choice.
Another way to help increase your chances of being accepted is working hard. If you're still in high school, don't get 'senioritis.' While grades aren't the only thing colleges look at, a nose dive at the end of your high school career isn't going to help your cause.
So, what happens if you weren't accepted at any of the schools you applied to? Again, don't get down on yourself. First, if the letter of denial isn't clear, determine the reason for your rejection. Did you only apply to one school? Were the schools you applied to too selective? How are your high school grades?
Now is the time to re-evaluate you situation. If you can still apply to schools whose deadlines haven't passed, then look into that option. Also, consider junior colleges. These schools are usually the least selective of any colleges, and you can transfer your work to another school at any time. If you are dead set on getting in to one of the schools you applied to then do the following: reapply after you have corrected initial problems (check with that school's admissions office), or make an appeal to the school about their rejection decision.
