Em
How do I continue to deal with rejection I feel like I’m being forced to settle for less than what I want every time I’m told no. ?
I’m a college sophomore who just got rejected from her dream school. For context, I have a 4.0 GPA, survived childhood cancer, and have been paying my own way through community college. I understand that I am not entitled to a yes from everyone. But I don’t understand how I could do everything I was supposed to do and more and still be pushed to the side. As a performer, I’ve grown to expect to be told no for any gig I audition for. Being rejected from my dream school is such a slap to the face and I don’t know why it’s hitting me so hard. I was accepted by a different school, and it doesn’t hold a candle to what I wanted and worked so hard for. It’s so minuscule in comparison to what I had dreamed for myself. The education is just as good, but I wanted a University experience and it doesn’t offer than at all. At this point, I don’t know if appealing my rejection is worth it. I’m exhausted from the bare minimum.
1 answer
Ilan Marouani, Esq., LL.M.
Ilan’s Answer
First of all, the path you have been leading so far in your life, is incredible, and I really congratulate you for being able to get through so much, and still push and wanting more for yourself, and not settling for anything less.
I myself had a similar experience while applying to Law school. My dream Law school was maybe a point or two away on the LSAT that I just didn't have time to take again before applications ended, so I tried to appeal, I tried to use connections to get a word in with the dean of students, I tried to apply to summer beginning to show that I was ready to commit to this school, that the school was my first choice, the only choice I really cared about, but at the end, still got rejected.
It happened to me when I applied for my Masters in Tax also, as NYU was really the only school I was applying to, and was telling people, "it is NYU or nothing at all." I did everything I could do so my application would look as strong as possible. From taking classes in Tax, creating a Tax group and becoming its president. Having events, even one with the Dean of the NYU Masters Tax program that I was trying to join... at the end, nothing.
Of course, right now you must be asking yourself, in what way is this a useful answer? Well, even though I did not get into my dream school, did not get the experience I was hoping for, nevertheless, my experience in my other schools was amazing!
I am looking back at both times it has happened, and both times, I don't think I would be the person I am today, be at the job I am at today, without going to those different schools than the one I Initially was hoping for.
I know right now it seems annoying, disappointing, but I believe that our path change from our dreams sometimes, not for a bad reason, but because we are so focused on something, that we don't realize it might be even better somewhere else.
I hope this helps a little, and I believe that after all the struggles and perseverance you have gone through your life, it will be a valuable experience when you join the workforce!
Good Luck!