26 replies to this topic

[ferhin]

I have been managing my impressive track of rejections by not mentioning that I even applied to programs to people who don't already know what I've been up to. I know that sounds terrible, but... I just can't deal with their reactions. I kind of wish I had never told anyone what I was doing, so I could just deal with it on my own. But no. It's like the horrible moment where someone passes away, and even though you just want to grieve, you have to notify everyone.

Okay, getting rejected isn't that bad. But, sometimes it really feels that way.

It's just there's this certain look people get when you tell them you've been rejected, surprise masked with sympathy, a heavy dose of pity. That look kills me.

I feel the same! I wish that I hadn't told anyone that I was applying so that if I get rejections across the board I can save my pride. I've been putting discussing the outcome of my applications so far. I am trying to wait it out so that when I get good news (if I get good news) I have only that to share, and I can keep my shame to myself. I have no clue how I will be able to muster the courage to ask my professors to help me all over again if I get all rejections. I'm praying, wishing, begging, (you name it, I'm doing it) that I won't have to.

[antecedent]

I have some very serious anxiety about telling my recommenders about my results and where I'm planning on going. Any tips for this?

[Fiona Thunderpaws]

Antecedant, I like your new signature!

I'm waiting until I know exactly what I'm doing before I tell my LOR writers much. But I told the professor I'm closest to about my waitlist when it happened (I'd heard back from the majority of schools at that point anyway) through email, which made things a little easier. I think email is going to be my friend, especially if things go not-as-well as I want them to.

[antecedent]

Thanks! Everyone else was being cagey, so I thought I would be too!

Interestingly, my anxiety about telling LOR writers has decreased significantly since I unofficially made my decision (it's been such a slow process - I'm only getting used to thinking it now).

Man, my fingers are SO crossed that you'll have good news to tell those letter writers in a few weeks!

[Fiona Thunderpaws]

Haha, nice! I noticed everyone was being cagey and witty too, but I think it's too late for me. Everyone knows my dark, terrible secret by now!

It makes sense you feel less stressed now that you have a better idea... That's why two of my LOR writers have no idea what I'm up to, since I don't know myself. I've found that stating things with confidence and like you know exactly what you're you're doing and wouldn't be doing anything else goes a long way towards diffusing situations as well, which is easier to do when you actually know what you're doing too!

Where do you think you'll go, if you don't mind my asking? You were jumping across puddles or trekking to winter wonderland, right? I've been rooting for you all these weeks too and you had some awesome choices!

EDIT: I figured it out. Congratulations!!!

Edited by Fiona Thunderpaws, 24 March 2012 - 03:04 PM.

[perrykm2]

Does anyone have any advice for me?

My really close friend applied to some MA programs in Creative Writing, got into a handful of them, but it seems like funding is a little more up in the air and competitive in a lot of CW programs? Anyway, it ended up that of all her acceptances, she still didn't get funding or tuition remission. She's so unhappy and I feel so bad. What is a good thing to say to her?

[Fiona Thunderpaws]

I guess it depends on your friend's personality, but I know for me I hate it when people bring up anything about my applications, but I like it when they listen to my ranting sympathetically. I hope somethings works out for her though--lack of funding is the very worst sort of evil.