One way to effectively persuade some people is to invoke similar arguments from different voices. That’s why I find myself sharing so many of Patrick O’Connor’s articles here.

Don’t treat a college admissions denial like a tragedy. Your life is not defined by a college admissions decision. What you do in college will be more important than where you go. I’ve said it all before here over and over again.

But I hope that adding O’Connor’s articulate, compelling, and experienced voice might make those who agree more resolute, and maybe push a few people on the fence to what we think is the healthier and more productive side. If your interest is piqued, please check out his newest post, What Your College Application Decisions Won’t Tell You. Here’s my favorite snippet:

“A yes from a college doesn’t make you somebody; the work you put into earn that yes did that. A no from a college doesn’t make you nobody; that happens when you decide their denial is a character indictment, instead of an opportunity to build a great life at another school. Either way, your worth isn’t waiting in an e-mail that’s going to drop on 12/13/14 at 15:16 o’clock. Your worth is within you, and it isn’t waiting for much of anything, other than your recognition of its existence.”