Acceptance and Rejection in the Digital Age
Whether you're a teenager applying for the first time, or a seasoned veteran taking a stab at a continuing degree, waiting to hear back from the colleges of your choice can be incredibly nerve-wracking. That said, it has always been a more private matter -- until today, when social networks like Myspace, Facebook, Twitter, and even the speed of e-mail alone have the power to make private matters public within mere minutes. As many are discovering, the delicate matter of college acceptance and rejection letters has become even more delicate just by the simple progress of technology.
For a generation of students who share every detail of their personal lives in text messages, MySpace pages and other online postings, the college admissions chase is offering a lesson that some things are best kept private.
Last December, when Brown University's early admission decisions were released online, students in one classroom at North Hollywood High's highly gifted magnet program could be heard applauding. In another, there was silence, followed by the sound of someone crying.
So today when many Ivy League colleges are expected to render their decisions, magnet students will be rushing home to absorb the news, seniors Kelsey Collins and Joseph Wang said.
"That's D-day for everybody," said Joseph, 17. "No one wants to check in public."
Some of us learned the hard way in high school, back in the earlier days, checking college websites at a teacher's computer with disastrous results. The ubiquitous presence of internet-enabled cell phones and PDA devices can only serve to boost and speed the inevitable mix of emotions. Not that the colleges themselves help much:
Although some colleges still use regular mail to send acceptances and rejections -- the proverbial fat and thin envelopes -- many now conduct the process online.
Some UC applicants get e-mails saying "Your status has changed," then visit online accounts and learn they've been rejected. It's a cold way to have dreams destroyed.
"It was a huge surprise; I'm pretty smart," said Naira Goukisian, 18, a Bravo student who was turned down by some UC campuses. "You make an account . . . they didn't even send letters or e-mail. It was really bad this year, really hard."
It can be painful and awkward waters to navigate, but the dialogue between students and their schools of choice appear to be nothing compared to awaiting dialogue between students and their peers. As what once was a private conversation has been distilled to a social network status change, it seems that dealing with differences in college letters has become even more of a passive-aggressive art than ever before.
In December, Amaru Tejeda made a pact with his friend, Yureli Lopez, to post Pomona College's response to their applications on Facebook. That way, the seniors at Bravo Medical Magnet east of downtown Los Angeles wouldn't have to deal with each other face to face if one lost out.
Amaru, 18, of Lincoln Heights got home and found a large envelope from Pomona but waited until Yureli, 17, of Boyle Heights posted "Future Sagehen" (Pomona College's mascot) in her "status update" window before he sent an instant message that he had gotten in too.
Because they had applied for an early decision, Yureli and Amaru were committed to attending Pomona. But on Friday, Yureli learned she had also been accepted to Occidental College, the dream school of another friend. As of Sunday, she hadn't heard how her friend had fared and was nervous about being perceived as getting her slot.
"That's the worst-case scenario: When one of your best friends got accepted to the school you really wanted to get into and you didn't," said Yureli.
Reconciling similarities or differences with friends may be the hardest part of any college decision -- as it was years ago, is now, and probably will be for as long as there are choices of colleges to attend. Of course, according to the article, online communities offer tons of reassurance and support for students facing these hard times. Does it make things any easier? Under the stress of impending college, any small relief -- digital or otherwise -- will do.
Search Schools
University of PhoenixAt University of Phoenix, we believe everyone deserves access to higher education.
Programs
Location: Online |
|
Everest University OnlineManage your career and your life while earning your degree online.
Programs
Location: Santa Ana: , Santa Ana CA |
|
Capella UniversityAchieve your potential with an online degree from Capella University. Programs
Location: Minneapolis: Capella Tower, Minneapolis MN 55402 |
|
Keiser UniversityFor over 30 years, Keiser University eCampus Online has provided student-centered, quality career education.
Programs
Location: Fort Lauderdale: , Fort Lauderdale FL 33309 |
|
USC School of Social WorkThe USC School of Social Work’s MSW@USC offers the opportunity to earn a Master of Social Work degree through the Virtual Academic Center without relocating to Southern California. Programs
Location: Online |
|
Allied Health InstituteAllied Health Institute is a post-secondary vocational school offering a variety of Diploma and Associate Degree programs in the field of Allied Health. By utilizing online learning, students have the flexibility to continue their education from the convenience of their own home. Our virtual classrooms will enable students to attend classes and communicate with instructors and classmates. Students can complete some programs without leaving their current employment or sacrificing family time.
Programs
Location: Online |
|
Virginia CollegeSet your career in motion at Virginia College.
Programs
Location: Birmingham: 300 River Hills Business Park, Birmingham AL 35242 |
|
DeVry UniversityMake a difference with a graduate degree from DeVry University's Keller Graduate School of Management.
Programs
Location: Chicago: , Chicago IL |
|
Georgetown University School of Nursing & Health StudiesFounded in 1789, Georgetown University is the nation's oldest Catholic and Jesuit university. Today, Georgetown is a major international research university that embodies its founding principles in the diversity of our students, faculty, and staff, our commitment to justice and the common good, our intellectual openness, and our international character.
Programs
Location: Online |
|
Animal Behavior CollegeInterested in a career as a professional dog trainer? Animal Behavior College is the place to start.
Programs
Location: Northridge: 9249 Reseda Blvd, Northridge CA 91324 |
|
