When students are rejected from college admissions, it feels like the end of the world for many. For parents, it can be challenging to see their children experience this type of disappointment and rejection.
We must help our children manage these feelings in a healthy way.
In this article, we will discuss 10 best practices for helping your child cope with rejection from college admissions. We encourage you to use a growth mindset and set clear intentions for your child’s future!
- Acknowledge your child’s feelings. It is important to validate your child’s feelings of disappointment and rejection. Let them know that feeling sad, angry, and frustrated is okay.
- Help your child understand that rejection is not personal. It is important to help your child understand that rejection from college admissions does not reflect their worth or ability. College admissions is a highly competitive process, and many qualified students are not accepted to their first-choice school.
- Use the rejection as an opportunity for growth. Help your child see the rejection as an opportunity to learn and grow. Encourage them to use this experience as motivation to work harder and become a stronger applicant for their next choice of colleges.
- Help your child create a backup plan. It is important to have a backup plan in place in case your child is not accepted to their first-choice school. Help them research other colleges they may be interested in and assist them in making application plans for those schools.
- Encourage your child to stay positive. It is important to encourage your child to maintain a positive outlook during this time. Remind them that they are capable and talented and that they will find a college that is the right fit for them.
- Help your child focus on the future. It is important to help your child focus on the future and not dwell on the rejection. Encourage them to set their sights on their next goal and remind them that many options are available.
- Keep communication open. Make sure to keep the lines of communication open with your child during this time. Ask them how they are feeling and offer your support.
- Seek professional help if needed. If you feel like your child is struggling to cope with the rejection, seek professional help from a counselor or therapist.
- Model healthy coping skills. As a parent, it is important to model healthy coping skills for your child. Let them see you handling disappointment and setbacks in a positive way.
- Encourage your child to take a break. After the initial disappointment of rejection, encourage your child to take some time for themselves. Allow them to relax and rejuvenate before they start the college search process again.
It is important to use a growth mindset and set clear intentions for your child’s future when they experience rejection from college admissions. This will help them stay positive and motivated as they continue their college search process. Remember that rejection is simply redirection.
