As emotional college acceptances and school-themed bed parties flood social media, some high school seniors are adding a humorous twist to college rejections with 'rejection cakes'.
In a viral TikTok video, high school senior Ceci Skala and friends celebrate their rejections with a cake adorned with flags from top schools that denied them.
Skala, waitlisted from her top choice, applied to 12 colleges and sees the trend as a way to mock the stressful admissions process.
The video features rejection pins from prestigious schools like Yale, Harvard, and Dartmouth, highlighting the reality of college rejections.
College consultant Brooke Hanson notes that social media has intensified the pressure of college admissions, leading to increased stress among students.
The 'rejection cake' trend serves as a reminder that rejection is a common part of life, especially in competitive college admissions.
While social media often showcases acceptance celebrations, many rejections go unshared, creating a distorted view of the admissions process.
Platforms like TikTok provide a space for students to share personal moments and find support from peers during challenging times.
Humor and community support play a crucial role in helping students navigate the emotional rollercoaster of college rejections.
Experts emphasize the importance of viewing college as a stepping stone rather than an end goal, with rejection often leading to redirection and growth opportunities.
Skala and her friends eventually celebrated their college decisions with a 'commitment cake,' highlighting the positive outcome of the application process.
Despite the ups and downs of admissions, Skala encourages students to remember that their worth is not defined by a school's decision.
Ultimately, the college experience is about personal growth and skill development, shaping the path to future success.
Rachel Hale's coverage of Youth Mental Health at USA TODAY is made possible by a partnership with Pivotal Ventures and Journalism Funding Partners.
Contact her at rhale@usatoday.com and @rachelleighhale on X.
Jenna Ryu also contributed to this report.