Here’s some quotes from those who didn’t get into their first choice, and the link to the full article from Understandably by Bill Murphy Jr.
First choice was UCLA; went to UC, Santa Barbara.
"I always thought I'd go to UCLA. ... I ended up not only loving the smaller atmosphere [at Santa Barbara}, but the central coast in general. I was there when [the movie] Sideways happened ... and ended up starting a wine business ... Those were good years, also because my wife happened to transfer in..."
--Mark Aselstine, founder, Uncorked Ventures
First choice was either Sarah Lawrence College or Vassar; went to Marymount Manhattan College.
"Because I wound up going to school in the big city, major things happened for me. From working in bra-fitting retail jobs that would eventually bring me on TV shows like The Martha Stewart Show … to meeting my husband. I've now been living in NYC for 15 years … [It] forced me to grow up a bit faster, yes, and it also helped me grow in other ways that I couldn't have even imagined."
--Kim Caldwell, owner, Hurray Media
First choice: Harvard; went to Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
"I had always wanted to go to Harvard, not necessarily because I knew anything about it but because it was Harvard. I ended up going to MIT instead, which in retrospect was a far better choice for me as I would not have fit in at Harvard at all, although I fit in quite well at MIT. "
--Steve Silberberg, FitPacking
First choice: Brown University; went to University of Massachusetts at Dartmouth.
"I applied to Brown University … I thought I was a shoe-in. ... I wasn't accepted! ... After I processed my grief and devastation ... It was at UMASS Dartmouth that I discovered my love for psychology and decided to switch my major from pre-med. To say [my current role] is a dream job is an understatement."
--Erin Reynolds, PsyD, Clinical Director, Baylor Scott & White Sports Concussion Program at The Star
First choice: Columbia University; went to NYU.
"I got rejected from Columbia University and it worked out in my favor because at New York University, I got my housing paid for. At [that] time, I needed a home because I was also homeless. I didn't have family to stay with, so the dormitory became my home."
--Tamara Murray
First choice: Dartmouth; went to: Northwestern University.
"I applied early admission to Dartmouth and got rejected, and then applied regular admission and got rejected a second time (I wonder how many people can say that?).
"I went to Northwestern University instead and met some of my best friends to this day, 20+ years later. … I think the silver lining was realizing that I'm much more of a midwest/west coast girl than east coast, although I now live in Texas, so I should probably add south to the list as well!"
--Heidi McBain, professional counseling for women, HeidiMcBain.com.
First choice: Duke University; went to: University of Rhode Island.
"I grew up in Providence, R.I., attending Classical High School. ... Not wanting to go to college in my home town, I summarily dismissed Brown and insisted I would go to Duke. I made some tragic mistakes on my application. I was heartbroken.
My guidance counselor applied for me to the University of Rhode Island. I received numerous scholarships and financial aid. I got my MBA from UCLA [and] I carried an enormous chip on my shoulder … I used this chip to graduate early, start multiple businesses, sit on boards ... and be one of the young donors who gives back to URI. [Also], I did meet my wife at URI."
--Chris Jarvis, Jarvis Tower
First choice: Notre Dame University; went to: Indiana University.
"I'd been rejected. I sat in that empty classroom and cried for a few minutes. What was I supposed to do now? I ended up going to Indiana University, and honestly, it was amazing. I [took] my first creative writing classes at IU with amazing professors. … I ended up exactly where I needed to be with friends and faculty who have continued to shape my life to this day."
--Annie Sullivan, author, A Touch of Gold
First choice: New York University; went to: Syracuse
"I'm from Arkansas. I grew up around farmers and farmland. Half of my life
was spent with chickens in my backyard. NYC ... I could feel the pull of the city. ... I fell in love with NYU. But alas, I was rejected. I chose to attend Syracuse University instead due to their strong business program. … Orange pride quickly grew on me!
Any suggestions to consider transferring were shot down with a nice, 'No thanks. Bless your heart.' ... In fact, if everything had happened in the way that I planned, I wouldn't be as far ahead in my career as I am now. So yes, things certainly worked out."
-Frank Walker, TD Securities