Come the Ides of March and there are some unfortunate students who nail-bite their way through several entrance exams and nervously anticipate results. With expectations running high, rejection — if it happens — can hurt. But you can prevent and handle such a situation if it arises.
Prevent rejection: Keep your options open to avoid facing rejection in case you don’t get into your dream college or course.
Get a reality check: Only do things that you feel you are capable of. Don’t succumb to peer pressure and enrol yourself into a college/course because all your friends are doing it or because it has “prestige value”.
Share: Don’t mull over your insecurities alone. If you are devastated by rejection, vent out your frustration to your friend, parent or even a counsellor. Life does not end because of one rejection letter. Many more opportunities will come your way.
Advice for parents: Parents should not live their dreams through their children as this puts unnecessary pressure on them. They should accept their children for who they are and connect with them at an emotional level. Most importantly, they should avoid the trap of bribery/donation, as this sends a wrong message.
— The writer is a reputed counsellor