The name’s Cece and I’m a junior in high school. Recently I’ve decided that my dream school is Case Western Reserve University (this decision being set after traveling 8 hrs to take the campus tour/meet with an admissions counselor, oi!). The school is more than exceptional and there is just so much that I love about it!!
I attend one of St. Louis’ top (and consequently most difficult) private schools and have received only slightly above average grades (weighted cumm. GPA of a 3.7, AP and honors classes junior year and senior year, ACT score of 32). I believe I could’ve had a WAY more impressive transcript if I had gone to the local public school instead though.
So the big fear (as it is with plenty of other high school upperclassmen at this time) is that of being rejected from this dream school, especially due to my mediocre GPA. CWRU has been experiencing record low acceptance rates and frankly, I’m freaked out about it…
So the question is, in responsible preparation of the future, how do I stop fixating over my top choice and move on? Has anyone else experienced this, where they have one school their heart is set on and it’s very difficult to think of attending any other school?
Because Case is so hard to get into, I’ve been trying to mentally prepare myself for the rejection letter but it’s tough.
I am in kind of a similar situation. My dream school is UC Berkeley but I am also aware that it is not easy to get into that. Which is why I have other choices as well. Its always good to have a backup plan and remember that it is ok if we dont get into our dream schools for some reason. Maybe we had something better waiting for us. I do badly want to go to Berkeley but it is important to be realistic and I feel I will be just fine as long as I get into one of my top 3 choices. Just be realistic about it, and I suggest go on more campus tours to other unis. Maybe u’ll like sth just as much as Case.
If you realize that no school is perfect-for anyone-then maybe you can tell yourself that yes, you like a particular school, but it isn’t the only good fit for you. You should find some other colleges you like so that when the time comes, you hopefully have a choice from “good fits”. Also, remember that for nearly everyone, just getting in isn’t everything, it’s also what financial package is offered. This factors into the equation.
It’s really pretty simple. You just look at the departmental course descriptions and find colleges that have interesting things to learn. Try to remember that you are going to college to learn something. If you think UCB is the only interesting one then you have a problem that needs to get addressed.
@cosgirl Thanks, it’s comforting to know someone else is in a similar position. You’re right, being realistic is key and it’s important not to lose sight of that. Haha, I actually visited Case along with IIT (in Chicago), Loyola (Chicago), U of Mich. Ann Arbor, and U of Dayton during a Spring Break road trip. Good luck with your admissions endeavors!
@onceuponamom Yes, that’s very true. Thanks! The financial aspect is probably one of the most important things to consider. Case is very expensive and although they do offer merit, need-based, and talent-based aid (many of which I will apply for, of course), the aid ratings given by students are typically ok.
@JustOneDad Thanks for the advice! I don’t think she meant that UCB was the only interesting choice (seeing as she has other choices). Though it definitely is a top notch school! I never thought about reviewing the course descriptions before; will be sure to do that.
Anyone have an advice on finding similar schools/safety schools (perhaps any good website suggestions?) or have any anecdotes about not getting accepting into their top choice and how they dealt with it or something along those lines?
Although this isn’t your complete profile, I’m sure you stand a very good shot at Case Western Reserve. However, if you still need advice on how to get over it, it’s simple: find other schools. It might seem difficult at first but trust me, after looking you’ll find some others you’d love to attend.
@SweetCC333 If you liked the vibe at Case, then other [url="<a href=“http://theaitu.org%22%5DAITU%5B/url”>http://theaitu.org"]AITU[/url] schools may be a good secondary option. You certainly stand a chance at Case but it is good to hedge your bets and apply to other schools that you think you would be happy to attend.
If you love CWRU, then you’d probably at least like the University of Rochester. Though it’s not easier to get into than CWRU, an application to U of R would give you an additional chance of going to a school you might become equally excited about.
Your 32 ACT score will serve you well at either of these schools. If you direct your fixation(!) into getting into the school of choice, your chances really could be pretty good. When you are confident what you want, an ED/EA application may further raise your likelihood of acceptance.
Keep Case on the top of your list and then look for 5 more. Be sure to pick ones where a 32 puts you near the top of the class, for the most scholarship money!
My son had a first choice for an entire year, and last week decided to go somewhere completely different. It’s weird, but sometimes you change your thoughts senior year as the actual decision gets closer.
Good luck!