I have noticed a common trend on College Confidential. High school students from all over the United States, and some from around the world, have their sights set on a particular university. For some, it is an Ivy League university. This is not surprising considering the reputation universities like Harvard, Brown, and Princeton have. If you can honestly be admitted to one of the universities above, you have done quite well, and I encourage anyone to apply if they truly want to attend a prestigious university, but don’t force yourself to become someone you aren’t.
On an admissions application, it’s tempting to make yourself sound almost perfect. Students wish so much to be involved in as many extracurricular activities as possible and pass as many Advanced Placement exams as their school will allow, but know that you are not defined by your academics. You are more so defined by yourself and who you are as a person. If Cornell or Dartmouth turn you down, understand you are still a person.
Maybe you are like me, and you didn’t want to attend an elite university, it’s fine as well. In fact, some could argue a lesser known university provides the same education and sometimes better. It is not only competitive, but it can leave you feeling inferior. A standard state or private university can still very well be challenging and offer you the same opportunities if not more, and the university’s accreditation remains the same. In fact, my university is accredited by the same organization accrediting Duke University in Durham, North Carolina. Both universities are held to the standards in quality.
Above all else, understand that to be successful in your college search, do not compare yourself to what you could be. Do not fret over how much your high school freshman year grades will effect your admissibility to a university. Not everyone is meant to be an academic researching quantum theory their semester in college. Some people need to study English, philosophy, or education. Be who you are, but if you want to be an advanced academic, then by all means go for it, but don’t ever allow your education to define who you are as a person. When you make the college decision, be yourself, and you’ll make the right choice.