First off, I’m so, so sorry. I know this pain you feel.

I’m sorry that this dream of yours won’t come true for you. I know that you might have been planning this dream since your middle school days, that you would go to X University, and major in Political Science, and be the Elle Woods of this generation.

My heart breaks for you if it was an audition keeping you from your path to Broadway, or from being the first composer from your hometown to go to Juilliard. I know how you’re feeling, and no, it doesn’t feel like this forever.

I too was rejected from my dream school. I cried as I opened the letter that came too soon after the audition to be an acceptance. I remember an overwhelming sense of panic – where would I go?

I had set my sights on this college so steadfastly that I didn’t make room for failure. I thought about the possibility of transferring. I overanalyzed every second of my audition – I remember this low pit in my stomach, a distinct ooze of “I’m not good enough.”

But I’m not here to wallow in self-pity with you, my friend. I’ve been there. It’s no fun.

But I will tell you that it gets better.

You will find your place in the collegiate universe.

My mother always told me that everything happens for a reason, and although I didn’t get into my dream school, I’m certain that I ended up in the right place. I know that’s probably not what you want to hear right now, but trust me, everything will be okay.

As the college acceptance process rolls out and letters come to your doorstep, don’t let these colleges and universities’ opinions define you. You are the next generation of doctors, lawyers, singers, painters, and composers. You are the future and where you spend your next four years is not the most important detail in your life story.

You might be thinking about getting some gen eds out of the way at a community college and trying again for the college of your dreams, and there’s nothing wrong with that, but don’t spend your year lying in wait. Live in the moment. Go to parties. Stay up all night in the practice rooms, join clubs. You might not be where you were dreaming of, but where you are has some pretty great things about it.

Most of all, I want to tell you that everything will be okay in the end. You will be okay. College is supposed to be the best years of your life, where you meet lifelong friends – don’t let a rejection set you up for years of longing. Live your best life.

You end up where you end up for a reason. Maybe you’ll meet your significant other in your junior year science class, or you’ll find a passion you couldn’t previously explore. Don’t let this one rejection dictate the rest of your life.

And honestly, this dream college of yours? They’re missing out.