Understated, but no less elated

A came to us the other evening and said, rather casually, that he'd gotten in to Carnegie-Mellon. His enthusiasm was tempered somewhat by the fact that he didn't get into the most competitive C-M school, The School of Computer Science, but instead got into his second choice, The Mellon School of Science. And this is a bad thing why, exactly? Truth be told it's the better place for him. It will allow him to indulge his interest in computers, while still enabling him to pursue other interests in science and (I hope) writing.

This is all good. It's all great. Our reaction somewhat muted as well, however, as we do not yet have an acceptance letter in hand. Once we receive it, then I think excitement will set in big time. If he gets in nowhere else, Carnegie-Mellon is a place he can be proud to go. And a place we'd be proud to send him.

Magic in Minutia?

2/11

I am hoping for magic in the minutia. Today A received a large envelope from Carnegie Mellon. A good sign, yes? We like large envelopes. Inside was a glossy, multi-page sales pitch for the college. Odd, I thought, because clearly they are aware that their application deadline has passed. Then, it hits me. Could this be the beginning of the courting ritual? Is this their way of saying that A has been admitted, even though they can’t officially let him know? I don’t say a word of this to A, but ask my husband—rational and sensible man that he is—what he thinks. He thinks it’s marketing, nothing more. Nothing more? I press. He gives me the stern “don’t go there” look. Nothing more. Sigh.