Getting Denied…
Here’s some quotes from those who didn’t get into their first choice, and the link to the full article from Understandably by Bill Murphy Jr.
First choice was UCLA; went to UC, Santa Barbara.
"I always thought I'd go to UCLA. ... I ended up not only loving the smaller atmosphere [at Santa Barbara}, but the central coast in general. I was there when [the movie] Sideways happened ... and ended up starting a wine business ... Those were good years, also because my wife happened to transfer in..."
--Mark Aselstine, founder, Uncorked Ventures
First choice was either Sarah Lawrence College or Vassar; went to Marymount Manhattan College.
"Because I wound up going to school in the big city, major things happened for me. From working in bra-fitting retail jobs that would eventually bring me on TV shows like The Martha Stewart Show … to meeting my husband. I've now been living in NYC for 15 years … [It] forced me to grow up a bit faster, yes, and it also helped me grow in other ways that I couldn't have even imagined."
--Kim Caldwell, owner, Hurray Media
First choice: Harvard; went to Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
"I had always wanted to go to Harvard, not necessarily because I knew anything about it but because it was Harvard. I ended up going to MIT instead, which in retrospect was a far better choice for me as I would not have fit in at Harvard at all, although I fit in quite well at MIT. "
--Steve Silberberg, FitPacking
First choice: Brown University; went to University of Massachusetts at Dartmouth.
"I applied to Brown University … I thought I was a shoe-in. ... I wasn't accepted! ... After I processed my grief and devastation ... It was at UMASS Dartmouth that I discovered my love for psychology and decided to switch my major from pre-med. To say [my current role] is a dream job is an understatement."
--Erin Reynolds, PsyD, Clinical Director, Baylor Scott & White Sports Concussion Program at The Star
First choice: Columbia University; went to NYU.
"I got rejected from Columbia University and it worked out in my favor because at New York University, I got my housing paid for. At [that] time, I needed a home because I was also homeless. I didn't have family to stay with, so the dormitory became my home."
--Tamara Murray
First choice: Dartmouth; went to: Northwestern University.
"I applied early admission to Dartmouth and got rejected, and then applied regular admission and got rejected a second time (I wonder how many people can say that?).
"I went to Northwestern University instead and met some of my best friends to this day, 20+ years later. … I think the silver lining was realizing that I'm much more of a midwest/west coast girl than east coast, although I now live in Texas, so I should probably add south to the list as well!"
--Heidi McBain, professional counseling for women, HeidiMcBain.com.
First choice: Duke University; went to: University of Rhode Island.
"I grew up in Providence, R.I., attending Classical High School. ... Not wanting to go to college in my home town, I summarily dismissed Brown and insisted I would go to Duke. I made some tragic mistakes on my application. I was heartbroken.
My guidance counselor applied for me to the University of Rhode Island. I received numerous scholarships and financial aid. I got my MBA from UCLA [and] I carried an enormous chip on my shoulder … I used this chip to graduate early, start multiple businesses, sit on boards ... and be one of the young donors who gives back to URI. [Also], I did meet my wife at URI."
--Chris Jarvis, Jarvis Tower
First choice: Notre Dame University; went to: Indiana University.
"I'd been rejected. I sat in that empty classroom and cried for a few minutes. What was I supposed to do now? I ended up going to Indiana University, and honestly, it was amazing. I [took] my first creative writing classes at IU with amazing professors. … I ended up exactly where I needed to be with friends and faculty who have continued to shape my life to this day."
--Annie Sullivan, author, A Touch of Gold
First choice: New York University; went to: Syracuse
"I'm from Arkansas. I grew up around farmers and farmland. Half of my life
was spent with chickens in my backyard. NYC ... I could feel the pull of the city. ... I fell in love with NYU. But alas, I was rejected. I chose to attend Syracuse University instead due to their strong business program. … Orange pride quickly grew on me!
Any suggestions to consider transferring were shot down with a nice, 'No thanks. Bless your heart.' ... In fact, if everything had happened in the way that I planned, I wouldn't be as far ahead in my career as I am now. So yes, things certainly worked out."
-Frank Walker, TD Securities