BY MONIQUE REA
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As of yesterday, seniors planning on attending a four-year university had to decide where they want to spend the next phase of their life. This was likely one of the most important decisions students have made in their lives, but for many, it was not the one they would have hoped.
Flashback to the day seniors got that email notification from the school of their dreams – all they could do was acknowledge the effort they’ve contributed, and remember that sometimes it’s not you: it’s the college.
These situations began one of two ways: “Congratulations,” or “We’re sorry.” Their lives rode up to this moment, and when “We’re sorry,” is the first line of the letter, time slowed and all their efforts may have felt like they’ve been thrown down the drain.
Seniors who experienced this may have declared their enrollment to another option, but possibly with a hint of regretful consideration of what could have been.
It’s important to remember a rejection does not mean your hopes of college are over and it doesn’t necessarily guarantee you weren’t good enough. Many factors go into deciding admission and a seemingly perfect resume isn’t always enough.
Colleges look for a variety of things when applications are turned in. Sometimes they’re looking for potential, sometimes it’s a good SAT score or GPA and sometimes they just want a good personal statement. And maybe on this day the stars just didn’t line up, and the admissions officer viewing your essay just doesn’t like the way your profile adds up.
Applicants also can’t forget the competitiveness of their major or college. You may qualify for a college but other applicants with your major may have more qualities that are in compliance with the college.
If you relate to this article, remember there are always other options available. Most of the time when people apply to their colleges there’s always a back-up and the back-up is probably less expensive than the “college of your dreams.” Many people attend community colleges after high school and end up saving a lot of money.
There is no shame in attending your alternate selection.
It’s important to not forget that just because a school isn’t as well known as the one you may have wanted to go to, it won’t limit your potential opportunities. You will get the most out of your education by possessing persistence and passion.
Last, the are always opportunities to transfer. Going to a smaller college is a good way to find what you really want to do in the future. After finding something you’re passionate about it’s not that hard to transfer to a school that has a good program for that subject.
Don’t dwell on the past. If it didn’t work out, it probably wasn’t meant to be, and students should only worry about what they could have controlled.
