SmallCollegesFTW

The "alternative decision list" at grinnell is officially closed. I received my letter yesterday. Thanks to all the parents and students that helped answer all my questions. I look forward to being a Beloit Student next year.

Dairy State K8

I'm sure I speak for a number of folks who wish you the best at Beloit next year, FTW! It's a great school and I'm sure you will be a great addition to Beloit's first year class this fall.

Mary13

SmallColleges, thanks for keeping us up-to-date on your journey. I know it's disappointing to have to close the door on your first choice, but now you can really start focusing on your future at Beloit. I'm sure it will be terrific. My daughter just finished a very happy first year there. Enjoy your FYI and all that follows!

bethievt

A very dear friend of mine has a daughter there--you will be in good company!

SimpleRules

smallcolleges - sorry to hear you won't be going to Grinnell next year but Beloit is lucky to get you - my D and I are fans of your posts which are often thoughtful, accurate assessments of the topic. My D chose not to accept the Grinnell WL, and is really excited to be attending Beloit next year as well. I personally think she is completely amazing (unbiased opinion) so one more for the good company. Grinnell is an incredible school but this year perhaps more than ever admissions had to carefully craft next year's class from many, many qualified applicants. Best of luck, I don't think you will be sorry with your choice!

SmallCollegesFTW

Alas, I think it is better this way. I doubt I would have been able to afford Grinnell, even if I got admitted, seeing as my EFC is 3x higher then my family can afford, so it would have been an even bigger disappointment to have to turn Grinnell down after being admitted.

After all, Beloit is a wonderful college and I have been thinking a lot during this whole process about which would be a better fit. Being at least in the top quarter or so students at Beloit will be a major bonus. Also, Grinnell massive grade deflation will probably hurt me a lot in the end as I want to go to top Grad schools or maybe law school. On top of that, Beloit seems a lot happier and friendlier place then when I visited Grinnell. Both will challenge me, help me obtain good writing, thinking and social skills, so why not go with the better fit. Which I think is Beloit.

I think my initial disappointment was not so much having to go to Beloit, but being told that I could not go somewhere. I started looking at ways in which I felt Beloit was inferior to Grinnell and based a lot of it on superficial things like ranking, endowment, selectivity. But I have realized none of that crap really matters. What matters is what ACTUALLY goes on at the school, not what others think or what percentage of people with 2000+ SAT scores they have.

So, once again thank you everyone, good luck at where ever you end up. I know I have found the right place to spend the next four years of my life.

edit: Oh and I was excited to actually take that grinnell waitlist stuff out of my location, it doesn't belong their anymore

SoCaDad

Beloit is fortunate to have you. You would have been a wonderful addition to the
Grinnell community and we were pulling for you. I agree with SimpleRules that your posts were thoughtful, accurate assessments of the topic. Your future is very bright.

CountingDown

You are already on your way to a successful college career. Congratulations and I think you make a terrific experience for yourself at Beloit.

collegeprep11

i'm sure you'd do great at beloit. look at the bright side, you'll be at the very top of your class there.

bethievt

As you know, people often do end up at their best fit colleges and it sounds like Beloit will be a great fit for you. And yes, being one of the top students has many advantages, including more time for ECs and a social life. You have a lot to be excited about--best wishes!