Applying to colleges for the second time

espressopatronum
Mon, 30 Apr 2018 20:57:11 +0000

@“b@r!um” @MYOS1634 @collegemom3717 Thank you all for your answers!

The thing is, I had a difficult situation at home last year, and unfortunately I found it too hard to focus enough on the application process at the time. I did apply to some schools, but I had missed the deadlines on some of my top choices, and even to those I applied to, I did not put much effort into the process, because of the whole situation.

I did take the SAT and, given the circumstances, I was really satisfied with the score of 1410 that I got. However, I had only a month to prepare, with all the things happening around me, so I think and hope I may be able to raise my score to around 1500, now when I am able focus, which would be quite competitive.

I also wrote all of my essays, resumes and other writing materials in only a few days. Just by saying that, it is clear how that turned out. I don’t want to say that my essays were bad, I wouldn’t have sent them if I had thought so, but they weren’t anything special - there wasn’t anything that would make me stand out, that would truly show who I am. Especially for the admissions officers, who’ve read at least a quadrillion of similar essays. So I know I could improve my writing, as well, when applying next year.

Additionally, I would not just sit and waste the entire year. Even if I do raise my SAT score, and improve my essays, that is in no way a good reason to take a gap year. I have already started planning what I could do. There are many volunteering-abroad opportunities, which have always attracted me, but because of the school and age, I was unable to apply. These could help me in numerous ways - I could get to know myself better - see how I’ll do in new situations, first time away from home for so long alone. I will meet new people, see new places, get to know different cultures and lifestyles, which I believe can all help me become more mature and more broad-minded - some of the traits necessary to do well in the most revered colleges in the US.

I would really appreciate to hear what you think about this, and I am open for any kind of advice. I know that if I had given my best in the application process this year, my chances would’ve been much better. Unfortunately, a lot of bad things happened at a very bad time, but it’s just how it is. It’s no use crying over spilled milk, as they say, so I need to make the best possible decision at this point. What do you think that would be?