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Should I be worried if I don't get into the college I wanted to go to?
#college-advice #college-selection
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13 answers
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Christina’s Answer
No. Trust the process. If you do not get in now and thats where you REALLY want to be do one semester elsewhere and do the basic core classes (the english classes, math, and other required classes) then transfer to your preferred school. Sometimes it is easier to get in as a transfer student than coming in as a freshmen.
Personal story: I REALLY wanted to go to Boston College and didnt get in, my number 2 school was St. John's University, because I applied early I was given a decision early. However, I was denied at first because the first time I took the SAT, I sucked. When I took the SAT again, I reached out to admissions and asked if I could send updated scores, they said yes, I did and i got in! And it was the best time of my life. Sometimes even when its no, its not.
Personal story: I REALLY wanted to go to Boston College and didnt get in, my number 2 school was St. John's University, because I applied early I was given a decision early. However, I was denied at first because the first time I took the SAT, I sucked. When I took the SAT again, I reached out to admissions and asked if I could send updated scores, they said yes, I did and i got in! And it was the best time of my life. Sometimes even when its no, its not.
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Whitney’s Answer
While it's always disappointing to get denied from a college you really wanted to go to, it's nothing to worry about. Many people place so much importance on the school they go to, but in reality, how you do once you arrive is far more important than the name of your school. Look for schools that you think will provide you the best opportunity to succeed based on your needs and learning methods. Also, if you don't like the college you end up at, you can always transfer after a year or two!
Also, it's best practice to apply to several schools. Apply mostly to those that you believe you'll be accepted to, a few that you know you may not be accepted to but would love to go to, and a few that you definitely know you'll be accepted to. That way, if anything unforeseen happens along the application process, you have options to choose from!
Also, it's best practice to apply to several schools. Apply mostly to those that you believe you'll be accepted to, a few that you know you may not be accepted to but would love to go to, and a few that you definitely know you'll be accepted to. That way, if anything unforeseen happens along the application process, you have options to choose from!
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Yasemin’s Answer
Hi Jessica! I agree with previous answers even though you may not get into the first college you want be sure have back up options with a few others. Once you get to college there are so many things to focus on in your life that whether that college is your first or second or even third choice won't really make a difference. Make sure to pick a major you like and begin to make a plan about your future goals and make friends with people who support them. Many of my friends are in the healthcare field and I feel like that has helped me in achieving my goals as well; in addition there are many activities and clubs to take part in so whatever college you go to try to make the best of it! As a side note my sister was accepted to her second choice college and this really did upset her at first, but she found many opportunities there and is now a medical student almost going into residency! That being said, your life will not be determined by the college you are accepted to but also by the opportunities and goals you have set and how hard you work for them!
Best of luck!
Best of luck!
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Emily’s Answer
The college admissions process is sometimes straightforward, and sometimes not! When applying to colleges many people have a "top" or dream school in mind. I found when going through the process myself that my top choices changed once I got decisions back from those universities.
Once you get an acceptance package, you get a lot more information, including costs and financial aid. For me, once I was able to compare all of the costs and additional information from the schools I got into, my priorities shifted, and even though I was accepted to what I thought was my dream school, I decided that what I valued in that school didn't matter as much as I thought it did.
So, if you don't get accepted into your top school, you could try and look at it as a positive, and try to look at your options with a new lens!
Once you get an acceptance package, you get a lot more information, including costs and financial aid. For me, once I was able to compare all of the costs and additional information from the schools I got into, my priorities shifted, and even though I was accepted to what I thought was my dream school, I decided that what I valued in that school didn't matter as much as I thought it did.
So, if you don't get accepted into your top school, you could try and look at it as a positive, and try to look at your options with a new lens!
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Stephen’s Answer
Not at all! It's hard to know exactly what is the "perfect" college for you. Sometimes it doesn't work out that you get into the college of your choice. You should go into the process with an open mind and a few "top choices". that way if one doesn't work out, there's always a backup choice.
College experiences are all a great time to learn and grow, sometimes going to a college you didn't expect to attend, or one that wasn't your first choice, ends up being better than you could have expected. Whichever way it works out, you will make new friends, get a good learning experience and grow.
As an alternative, as others have said...take a semester or two at a different college to start. You can transfer those credits and re-apply to the college of your choice if you absolutely know you must go there. Be careful to make sure that any class you take will transfer and work as credits at the college you want to move to. Getting into a college that did not work out the first time is sometimes easier once you've gotten some college credits under your belt and show that you can keep a good A average GPA while taking college level courses at a different university.
College experiences are all a great time to learn and grow, sometimes going to a college you didn't expect to attend, or one that wasn't your first choice, ends up being better than you could have expected. Whichever way it works out, you will make new friends, get a good learning experience and grow.
As an alternative, as others have said...take a semester or two at a different college to start. You can transfer those credits and re-apply to the college of your choice if you absolutely know you must go there. Be careful to make sure that any class you take will transfer and work as credits at the college you want to move to. Getting into a college that did not work out the first time is sometimes easier once you've gotten some college credits under your belt and show that you can keep a good A average GPA while taking college level courses at a different university.
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Emily’s Answer
Don't be worried! When I was going through the college admission process, I was denied from my dream school and was super upset. You're allowed to be sad, but don't let it stop you from picking another school. I ended up visiting the other colleges I got accepted to and was able to see them in a new light because I now tried to imagine myself at the school. I chose a college that when I went to visit could imagine myself at!
My main piece of advice is that it is not so much about the college you go to, but what you make of it! Go out and meet new people! Join a club! Take advantage of the opportunities presented! I met my best friend because she lived on my floor freshman year and she was the only person around to grab breakfast. I didn't go to (what I thought was) my dream school and it all worked out. Everything happens for a reason and sometimes the best thing to do is trust the process!
My main piece of advice is that it is not so much about the college you go to, but what you make of it! Go out and meet new people! Join a club! Take advantage of the opportunities presented! I met my best friend because she lived on my floor freshman year and she was the only person around to grab breakfast. I didn't go to (what I thought was) my dream school and it all worked out. Everything happens for a reason and sometimes the best thing to do is trust the process!
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Kusuma’s Answer
Don’t stress about the name of the college. Focus on the field what you want to do and try to standout.
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Maya’s Answer
Don't be worried. The college admissions process is about mutual selection. You will end up in the place you need to be, in order to get where you want to be. Apply to several schools in order to have several options. Best practice is to apply to schools of various size and location. You may end up realizing that what you thought you wanted is completely different to the place where you will thrive.
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Ryan’s Answer
You should not be worried if you do not get in to the college you were hoping to go to. College is a very competitive process that each school receives thousands of applications for a set number of spots. It is important to remember that everything happens for a reason and to make the most out of every opportunity you get. If you do not get into your first choice, whatever school you go to is still going to provide you with the education needed to move forward. Look for the positives! Every school has something that makes them great. Some schools have a fantastic meal plan, others have incredible housing, some have advanced classrooms, but every school has something to be excited about. That is why it is important to seek out these positives and make the most out of your college experience. It is important to also do research before applying to see what types of students get into the school (GPA, SAT/ACT scores, etc.). This can also help you form a list of colleges to apply for by having a few dream schools and a few safety schools.
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Trevor’s Answer
I know not getting into your dream college can be disheartening, but maybe your dream college is one lower on your list or one you have not really thought too much about. College is an experience and you get what you make out of it. As long as you apply yourself and commit to learning you will not be at a disadvantage later in life. You never know what you will actually want till you experience it and if you do end up at a college that you do not like, you can always transfer out. I had a friend who attended three different universities till he found what he wanted. College is a process and you are at the helm to make the most out of the process!
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Blake’s Answer
Absolutely not. Everyone at my job went to different schools and they all do a great job.
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Kevin’s Answer
No, everyone has their own path. If you don't at first get into your dream college, that is OKAY. Just keep pushing and use it as motivation.
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Pooja’s Answer
I wouldn't worry about it too much. In the end, your college experience is what you make out of it whether it comes to location, education, friends, etc. As long as you are giving your 100% and working hard, you will be able to strive no matter what college you go to!