could you chance me?

abitdifferent
Sat, 15 Jan 2011 19:03:00 +0000

I am a senior this year, and I am very glad to be reaching the end of the admissions process. However, you say that you would ‘really like’ to go to Dartmouth. A year ago, I really wanted to go to Stanford. I was rejected, early action, and it totally crushed me. I realized that I had fallen in love with the school, but I simply wasn’t qualified.

My advice to you, if I could do the entire thing again:

1) Find 8-10 colleges/universities that you ‘really like.’

Make plans for success at each one. Look into honors colleges/programs at state universities. You don’t want to go through what I just went through. Don’t be caught, mid-December, searching for Ivies you like and schools that might actually admit you. The more the merrier! Get to know these institutions. You can narrow your list next year.

…and, I would not worry about name.

2) Read “Debt-Free U.”

It’s an excellent book. The author debunks so many university myths, it’s just crazy. He shows you how to achieve the results and success you desire, from any college. I wish I had read it last year.

3) Most of all, enjoy high school.

I wasted so much time worrying over what Stanford would want to see, I lost sight of the fun in high school. You’ll be fine. You’re a driven, smart, and diverse person.

After Stanford, I never dreamed I would even be considered at Dartmouth. I counted on instant rejection. My interview for Dartmouth is next week.

Best of luck :)