An open letter for someone who didn’t get an acceptance letter

First of all, I’m sorry. I’m sorry you got a rejection letter when you were hoping for an acceptance letter. Now, let’s look away from the letter for a minute. Take some deep breaths while I remind you of what this letter actually means for you. 

To quote Taylor Swift, “You are not the opinion of somebody who doesn’t know you … you are not going nowhere just because you haven’t gotten where you want to go yet.”

Receiving this letter does not make you incapable, it just means a bunch of scholars (who don’t know you personally) didn’t pick you this time. Not getting into a school you applied for does not make you stupid or unworthy. This letter does not mean that you will not have the opportunity to pursue higher education, it means it is not what is meant for you right now. I know going to this school was probably what you wanted, but maybe it’s not what you need. 

This year has been hard for you. Have you ever paused to check in with yourself? Have you stopped to ask yourself what it is that you really want? Maybe in the pursuit of higher education, you’ve stopped listening to yourself. It’s not unheard of. 

When one door closes, another opens. Maybe not receiving an acceptance letter is an opportunity for you to do something for yourself. Go on a trip (safely) with people or alone. Let yourself breathe and be alive again. Refresh your system. Start networking. Get a meaningful job or internship. Take the time to do what makes you feel alive.

You are so much more than your accomplishments. Just like everyone else on this planet, you are wonderfully complicated, beautifully talented and you are here for a reason. You are not here to please anyone but yourself. You are not here to work yourself to death or to beat yourself up over this minor setback. 

This is not a dead-end. Your life is not over, it’s just beginning. Consider previous opportunities you’ve missed in your life — schools you didn’t apply for, teams you were cut from and relationships that never happened — and recall how you felt then. It’s probably the same low feeling you have right now, but you’re alive. You made it through those feelings of inadequacy and rejection. If you could do it then, you can do it now. 

You don’t owe anyone an explanation of why you didn’t get accepted. In fact, you don’t need to tell everyone right away. Take your time. Figure out a game plan: what do the next few years have in store for you? What are some of your goals that are within reach right now? You can still improve yourself with this letter. You can learn from this letter. You can be intelligent, capable and have a good life with this letter. 

Keep doing what you’re supposed to be doing. 

Emily White is a junior studying English and broadcast journalism. She is currently serving as the senior writer for the Lifestyles section of the Statesman.

—emily.white@usu.edu