That's that

[kenjari]

Oregon rejected me, too. No grad school for me this year.
I really wasn't expecting this. All the signs were pointing to yes - I had forged a good connection with one of their professors, I was invited to apply to the Oregon Bach Festival Composer's Symposium, I got in to the aforementioned symposium, I received warm e-mails from the school. I flew three thousand miles to visit. I had started communicating with them about my interest in applying in June. I just can't think of another thing I could have done. There must have been something, but no one was telling me what that was.
So here I am, stuck again for another year, when I'd rather be in school in Oregon. I was (and still am) prepared to make the sacrifices moving across the country would entail. It would be worth it.
So now I've got to go through this all again next year. And I'll be reapplying to Oregon and UMKC at least. I may be angry at them now, but I still like them. Hopefully I'll be able to communicate with their faculty over the summer and find out what I can do to improve my application for next year, find out what it was I turned out to be lacking. At least with Oregon, I can do some of that in person in June.

Comments

[signsoflife.livejournal.com]

I'm really sorry.

[davidsmom1.livejournal.com]

Oh Hon, I'm so sorry. I find it hard to believe that you could be lacking anything. If you need a shoulder you know my number. I'm here day or night.

[wildpaletz.livejournal.com]

Man, that really deeply sucks! I hope it was something like "this guy isn't taking students this year, but will next year." *hugs*

[digitalemur.livejournal.com]

Yeah, I'm hoping the same.

kenjari, you're a smart cookie. You'll get where you're going, it's just taking longer than expected. Hang in there.

[hai-kah-uhk.livejournal.com]

Aw. Bummer. (I'm not great at expressing disappointment-sympathy, but I'm tryin'.)

My mother used to say, "When God closes a door, he opens a window." We lived in a raised ranch at the time, so I couldn't help but wonder whether God was hoping I'd break my neck in the fall. However, we also had basement windows which were easy to climb up and out of, if one were willing to descend into the basement first. I'm sure there's some wisdom there, even if it's only, "Dandelion, you were a sick and twisted kid."

In any case, I hope the next opportunity that comes your way results in neither a slammed door nor a broken neck.

I'm not being helpful, am I? Sorry.

[kenjari.livejournal.com]

Actually, you are quite helpful. That old adage reminds me that in this case, the door isn't entirely shut (for various reasons I will go into in a separate post). And I happen to have a crowbar. ;) After all, I've been rejected for this year, not for all time.

[hai-kah-uhk.livejournal.com]

Hey, does that mean you'll be staying in the Boston area for a while longer? 'Cause we're still moving up there....

[kenjari.livejournal.com]

Yep, we'll still be around. It would be cool to meet you in person.

[hai-kah-uhk.livejournal.com]

The feeling's mutual.

Dammit.

[ivan23.livejournal.com]

I'm really sorry to hear it, kenjari. Remember that it's not necessarily you, just a question of too many applicants for too few slots. Take the time to compose some new pieces - fiery, exotic, rapturous pieces - and dammit, make them have to accept you next year. I know you can do it!

[hca.livejournal.com]

Oh, SUCK. And what a shock! I was feeling pretty sure, on your behalf...

Make them feel good and awkward when you're out there in June. And don't forget that duskydawn was rejected from 28 schools over three years before she got into Harvard... You'll get there. You're too talented and hardworking a composer not to. It just may take a while.

[kenjari.livejournal.com]

Make them feel good and awkward when you're out there in June.
Oh yes, I very much intend to go out there and shine so brightly that they are just overcome with regret. And they'll have to give me answers for why I didn't get in and what I can do for my next application. They can't possibly spend two whole weeks hiding from me.
As Stef said, sometimes you're not so much applying as campaigning to get in.

[ladybird97.livejournal.com]

*hug* Oh, honey. I'm so, so sorry! Like everyone else, I'd been feeling such good vibes from Oregon for you...

I have faith that you will get in somewhere that's right for you. Like you said - the door isn't shut, and you have a crowbar. (And I suppose that if all else fails, you can hit them with the crowbar :)

Hang in there! I know you'll make it!

[jila.livejournal.com]

I'm so sorry to hear that you didn't get in. But I have full confidence that you will get in next year Hang in there.

[epilimnion.livejournal.com]

Well, we talked for a long time last night, and I really don't have anything to add. It sucks that they rejected you this year, especially after such positive feedback. But I have no doubt that you were very close to getting in. just build on that good opinion they so obviously have of you and it will turn into an acceptance.

[kenjari.livejournal.com]

Yeah, and I hope it is significant that with the Bach Festival, I have been handed a perfect opportunity to do just that.

[epilimnion.livejournal.com]

It's totally significant. you couldn't have a better opportunity to improve your portfolio all around and build your relationship wth Oregon specifically. Make them glad you are re-applying. Honestly, I bet there are lots of applicants who almost make the cut, but disappear after their rejection even though they would probably get in with a few improvements and a second try. So when you come back swinging, you'll really stand out.

[holmes-iv.livejournal.com]

Ah, crap. :-(
Nothing much else to say, really. You seem to be doing much better at maintaining a positive attitude than I can imagine myself doing in a parallel situation, for which I congratulate you—and I hope the schmucks faculty at UMKC and UO also note that as a positive for the next time around.

[zfarcher.livejournal.com]

Pocking idiots...

I'm sorry you got put off for a year. And, I would guess there is not much of a bright side to all this, but I think it's cool that you are going out there in June. You will get a chance to wow them with your charm, wit, great talent, and deadly assassination techniques!

Anyway, keep trying. And as to a possible bright side... it'll be easier to get a Mac&Cheese again next year...

[zfarcher.livejournal.com]

BTW, You should come down to CT this weekend for hugs and hitting things...

[kenjari.livejournal.com]

I can't, because I'm going to epilimnion's premier.

I Grok

[duskydawn.livejournal.com]

As she said: 3 years, 28 rejections, 1 acceptance. It only takes one.

You know what you want, you're passionate, driven and unflagging. You are willing, able and boldly going forth. You'll make it. Trust me, I know.

Not one iota of doubt. Period.

Go You!

Re: I Grok

[kenjari.livejournal.com]

Thanks! Your encouragement really means a lot!