Reality Check
Early Decision 1 decisions are posted tomorrow evening at 8 p.m. EST. That means that tomorrow by 8:01 p.m. there will be some very happy new members of the Class of 2016. And by 8:01 p.m. EST there will also be some very sad students. I suppose this is reality.
Each and every one of our ED1 applicants took a leap. They signed on the dotted line and told us that W&L was their first choice. They made a commitment. They put it all on the line. Some of those students will be rewarded- with an acceptance letter and a high-five from mom and dad (or Camie- BAM!). But the majority of the applicants will walk away from the computer screen with a sinking feeling. Though they signed on the dotted line, we unfortunately cannot admit all of our ED1 hopefuls.
This is not meant to be a sob story, however. Especially not at this time of year, when there is so much to be happy about. I suppose this is about reality. Because no matter whether you are admitted to the college of your dreams tomorrow night at 8 p.m. or whether it takes until April to find your match, every single one of our ED1 applicants will be happy in the end. I have forged a lot of friendships with applicants over the years, and I’ve never heard from a single deferred/wait listed/denied student who was unhappy at the school where they ended up.
Working in admissions has taught me a lot. Like which hotel chain offers the best perks. And how to convert an ACT score into its SAT equivalent. And it’s also taught me the hard lesson that life isn’t always about happy, fun, easy decisions. We forge a lot of friendships with students and families. Some who walk away from their computer screen after viewing their admissions decision with a sinking feeling. With those decisions, please know, that we often feel the same way.
And I suppose this is reality.
Tony
jratzel
Robert
vmama
Jonathan
Sarah
Camie
Chris
Ali
