Q: I was rejected by my #1 college choice – which I admit was a “reach” school. But what I don’t get is this: I was accepted by five other colleges, including another “reach” school! So maybe the college that turned me down made a mistake. What do you think my chances are if I ask them to reconsider? Should I tell them which other colleges have accepted me?

A: It is very, very rare for a college admissions office to change a decision. Decisions are always made by more than one person, and written notes are kept that explain (internally) why the decision was made. Unless crucial information was genuinely overlooked or considered in error (e.g. the admissions committee was looking at the wrong transcript when it voted – and this type of mistake rarely happens, if ever), they made the decision they wanted to make. Admissions committees are quite experienced in what they do, and they strive to make the best decisions they can for their college or university.

That last phrase is significant: they consider their school’s needs rather than the applicant’s wishes. You should not berate yourself over this one non-acceptance (and call it “non-acceptance” rather than “rejection”!). For whatever reason, they found other candidates who would meet their institution’s needs more completely than you would. This seems inconsistent to you. But there is no law that says these decisions must be consistent and predictable.   Someone else with the same grades and scores – or even different grades and scores – met their specific needs better. It might have to do with leadership, or a special talent, or legacy, or maybe there was something in a recommendation or essay. They will never tell you, and you will never know. Let it alone.

You would serve yourself better by concentrating on the five acceptances you do have! This is where you should expend your time and energy right now. You have only two weeks until the May 1 enrollment deadline to decide where you wish to spend the next four years of your life. Instead of fighting a decision which in all likelihood you cannot change, invest your efforts in visiting the campuses, talking to students and faculty, and determining which of the colleges that DO want you is the best choice.