Who we are

Hi! I’m Nora, the creator of The Essay That Didn’t Get Me Into ___. After going through the rollercoaster of the college admissions process, I realized how much pressure we put on ourselves to gain acceptance into our “dream schools.” The late nights, countless drafts, and endless self-doubt can take a toll. And when a rejection letter arrives, it can feel like all that effort was for nothing.

But here’s the truth: those essays you poured your heart into do matter. They tell your story, reflect your passions, and showcase your creativity. A rejection doesn’t diminish their value or your worth. That’s why I started this project—to create a space where we can celebrate the work we’re proud of, even if it didn’t lead to an acceptance letter.

This platform is about rewriting the narrative of rejection. It’s about showing the world that our stories are more than just a “yes” or “no” from an admissions office. By sharing our essays, we’re inspiring others to embrace their journey, acknowledge their hard work, and find pride in their voice.

I hope you’ll join me in this effort. Whether you want to share your essay, read others’ stories, or just know you’re not alone, this is a space for connection, resilience, and celebration. Let’s turn rejection into something beautiful together.

Meet the Team

Nora Baqui
Founder

Emmet Marsh
Design Director

Contact us

Interested in working together or just need to reach us? Fill out some info and we will be in touch shortly. We can’t wait to hear from you!