We owe you an apology.
It’s hard to admit, but we, as a society, have let you down. As part of this generation, I am ashamed of the unrealistic expectations we have established around college admissions. The system is broken, and you are the unfortunate recipients of a convoluted process that has evolved over decades.
We’ve misled you into believing that a 4.0 GPA is insufficient and that your hard work in high school is meaningless. Let’s set the record straight: a 4.0 GPA is an outstanding achievement that reflects your dedication and character. Unfortunately, this obsession with college admissions has sent the wrong message to those who will soon lead our nation.
We should be nurturing and empowering our future leaders, not leaving them feeling defeated and discouraged. Rather than celebrating your remarkable accomplishments, we’ve conditioned you to believe they are inadequate.
In recent weeks, my office has been filled with students who are disheartened after receiving disappointing news from their college applications. I empathize with their sorrow; it is all too real. While I believe we ultimately find our path, telling an 18-year-old that everything happens for a reason feels hollow when they are grappling with feelings of rejection from a school they dreamed of attending. It’s difficult to convince them that their efforts were valuable when they are led to believe that their best simply isn’t good enough.
One of our family friends has a daughter, Mia, who boasts a GPA exceeding 4.2. She has been active in student government, excelled in athletics, and led a service organization on campus. With a SAT score of over 1460 and nearly perfect performance on the writing section, she is among the top students in her competitive high school. Yet, she faced rejection from UCLA and was waitlisted at UC Berkeley.
How can this be? The world is undoubtedly competitive, and I recognize that other applicants may have had even higher achievements, but this still feels unfair. Mia has gone above and beyond for four years, and the message she received was, “Not good enough.” This outstanding individual will undoubtedly make significant contributions to society, and any university would be fortunate to have her as an alum. I hope she retains her rejection letter so that one day, as a U.S. Senator, a celebrated journalist, or a civil rights advocate, she can return it to UCLA as a reminder that success is about who you are, not where you go.
I believe every senior should read Where You Go Is Not Who You’ll Be… an Antidote to The College Admissions Mania by Frank Bruni. It offers a refreshing take on the college selection process and challenges the flawed narrative that a school’s acceptance or rejection defines a student’s future. Bruni emphasizes that what you do in college and the relationships you cultivate are far more significant than the name of the institution itself.
Take Condoleezza Rice as a prime example; she attended the University of Denver yet went on to serve as the U.S. Secretary of State. She highlights that success is about blending your passions with your strengths, asserting that education is not a passive endeavor but an active one. The connections you form, especially with professors, play a major role in shaping your future.
So, focus less on the name of the institution and more on what truly matters. The term “good college” is subjective, yet many young students and their parents place excessive pressure on achieving admission to these so-called prestigious schools. This obsession often leads to anxiety and panic attacks among 13- to 15-year-olds during a time when they should be enjoying school dances and learning essential life skills. Many successful individuals have thrived after attending community colleges or trade schools, doing what they love every day.
I attended a state university, which may not be considered elite, but I believe it has provided me with a solid foundation for success. I encountered dedicated professors, inspiring mentors, and made lifelong friends. While our career paths differ, we all found our way to success in our own right.
Remember, getting into college isn’t the culmination of your journey; it’s merely the beginning. If you’ve faced rejection from your ideal school, don’t view it as a personal failure. You are more than a letter, a score, or a ranking. Embrace your achievements and the opportunities that lie ahead.
Don’t dwell on disappointment; instead, channel it into your future endeavors. Appreciate the institutions that accepted you, as there are many paths to success. Attending a selective school doesn’t guarantee achievement; rather, qualities like hard work, perseverance, and resilience are far more influential.
Class of 2018,
You are on the brink of doing extraordinary things. As you step into the world, I hope you learn from our mistakes and prioritize passion over praise, creativity over image, and fulfillment over status. Discover what makes you happy and take pride in your journey, regardless of where it leads you. Stay ambitious, remain humble, and always uphold your integrity. Now is the time to explore and embrace this exciting new chapter of your life.
Keep your eyes forward, your mind sharp, and your heart open. Onward!
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Summary
The message to the Class of 2018 emphasizes the failures of the current college admissions system, which has led to unrealistic expectations and disappointment among students. It highlights the importance of personal growth over institutional prestige and encourages students to embrace their unique paths. By sharing personal anecdotes and referencing influential figures, the author aims to inspire students to focus on their passions and resilience rather than the pressures of college acceptance.