Damn, man. It’s a seriously heartbreaking and maddening experience to troll through the comments left on the "Waitlisted at UVA" post on UVA’s admissions blog. I’ve got a story coming out tomorrow about the blog and its writer, Jeannine Lalonde. After a quick look at it, it becomes pretty amazing the amount of work that goes into something like that.
The majority of the posts are raw, kids venting after being waitlisted, with some even-tempered ones thrown in for good measure. Here’s a sample:
"I too received a likely letter, and shamefully admit that after comparing myself to admitted students, I am confused why I was waitlisted. It’s almost as if I should have goofed off during high school instead of working myself to death. Go figure.
"ah well. ill take the spot, but looks like im gonna either be a blue hen, nittany lion, hokie, or patriot"
"im livid, im upset, and im confused. I feel rejected and even though everyone says theres a "shot" there doesnt seem to be.
As bad as it sounds all i can do is compare myself to the people with considerably lower qualifications who probably got in because they filled a quota or had some rich alumni relation.
i hate this.
but i still want in.."
"My heart goes out to all of the students who have been waitlisted or denied acceptance by UVA. As the parent of a waitlister I am seeing all sorts of emotions: disbelief (when comparing accomplishments to peers who were accepted), dejection, and anger. It has been an interesting ride since last night. Stats: 2000 SATs, 3.8 GPA, all IBs, varsity sports, a few select academic extra curricular activities, and a GREAT kid to boot! UVA does not have a crystal ball and they can’t be expected to be privy to all those details that make each of you so special. I had told my waitlister that it would be a crap shoot getting into UVA (but it fell on deaf ears). This too shall pass and I know that he will be a superstar no matter where he ends up. As will all of you. Lick your wounds, decide #2 pick, and give it your all. Now, go enjoy the day…it is gorgeous today in NOVA!"
I felt more annoyed as I made my way down the comments. So many kids quick to blame somebody else for what is, for a lot of them, their first encounters with failure. So much blind ambition. So little flexibility and curiosity. It took me back to my TA’ing days.
But man, it’s hard not to feel some compassion too. Kids that worked their asses off at someone else’s game with the expectation that they’d inevitably be rewarded. Hopefully when they get to college, wherever they end up, they’ll devote that energy into things they feel passionate about and look at the achievement ladder with a little more skepticism.