I think I messed up......

danceologist
Sun, 21 Feb 2016 02:04:31 +0000

I am a US senior who had a very unorthodox (and quite frankly uneven) method of choosing my schools. At my high school, everyone simply assumed that, since I was a high-achieving student with a decent academic record, I had my future college life figured out. In reality, I had no clue what I was doing. I remember the look of fear on one of my teacher’s faces in October when I told him that I had not even begun to write my application essays yet. My school list is ridiculously eclectic (from the lowest of the low to the highest of the high ranking-wise), and I cannot always recall my justification for some of my choices. My situation was exacerbated when my parents told me that their EFC was not representative of what they could actually contribute. Thus, I had to factor merit scholarships into my college equation.

I have taught myself to be very flexible and most importantly I have trained myself to never overthink a situation/psych myself out. Yes, where you apply and eventually commit to is important. But where you spend your college years is significantly less important than how you make use of whatever opportunities are available to you.

Here’s an example from my process:

I have a decent chance of being accepted into a small honors program with an amazing scholarship at a small public university in a rural-ish region of the South. At first glance, this University was nothing like I was looking for. However, I started researching the opportunities that are available to students, things to do within the town, the dorms, etc. and found that I would not only be moderately happy at this school, but I could actually thrive!

I am sure that there is at least one safety that you can talk yourself into liking. Most schools, even if they don’t have high rankings, actually have a lot to offer. Don’t get too obsessed with the idea of a dream school–IMHO they are overrated (although if you are eventually accepted to your dream school, then bring out the non-alcoholic champagne!). Furthermore, there are some safeties that are still accepting applications if you would like some more options. If all else fails, you can always try one school out and transfer if you don’t like it. Most importantly, do not beat yourself up, dwell on your supposed “mistakes,” and think that you are doomed. My ending note: college is what you make of it. Have a bit of faith in yourself and the universities that accept you. I am sure you are an amazing person who will end up having an amazing college experience, and you will look back on these days as the dark before the dawn.

Best of luck! <3 Keep me posted.