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Will Living in a Rural Community Decrease Chances for Success?

I live in a very rural community.
Some people have said that they couldn't go to certain schools and colleges because people looked down on the school I went to. Others said that since my school has a lack of teachers and some of our classes are online, colleges don't like that either.
However, that isn't something that we can control, you know? #college #college-bound #high-school-classes #online-learning

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Subject: Career question for you
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Keith’s Answer

I would add that you may have to work to get some opportunities that are available at bigger schools, but potentially have the advantage of more contact with teachers who can assist you.


I knew a few people from small towns (< 2000 people) in college. They had to take some additional initiative to do things like take courses at other schools or community colleges to get access to things like AP courses.


No college will "look down" on your high school for being in a rural area, but if you can arrange to take some AP classes or similar, that will make up the difference between the offerings at a larger school, and show that you have the drive to pursue these things.
Thank you comment icon I have taken the initiative to take a few college courses from the closest community college available to me due to my school having no choices for AP or IB courses. It is a lot of work to juggle that alongside normal school work, a few online courses and being employed part-time, but it all works out in the end! I got accepted to UNC Chapel Hill which was my first choice for college. I tend to think of my background as a strength now instead of a degradation. Tiffany
Thank you comment icon Hi Tiffany, That's great to hear! UNC is a great school, and I agree, anything that distinguishes you from the crowd should be a strength. Keith Keith Martin
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Jennifer’s Answer

Dear Tiffany,


I agree with Ken - perhaps this poses a challenge for you, but also gives you the opportunity to shine.


Is there anyone from your community who has gone on to a career that you aspire to? If so, is it possible to connect with that person as a mentor or just for a coffee and conversation? Or perhaps there is someone from a similar type of community that you could connect with?


Remember too that your education is not limited. There are so many online resources (full disclosure - I work for Lynda.com/LinkedIn) that you can go to for learning from anywhere. There are also MooCs, online universities, and so much more.


Best of luck to you - I hope that this is helpful!
Thank you comment icon I actually do think that this is helpful! Unfortunately, I do not know of anyone in my community who has gone to a career that I aspire to. Despite that, I plan to give so much back to my town! We do not have a lot going for us or for our school system, so I am really motivated to "shine" due to my rural background! Thanks for your words! Tiffany
Thank you comment icon It's my pleasure Tiffany - please let me know if I can help you further. If there is a specific career that you are looking towards, I'd be happy to see if I have any connections who I can introduce you to, even if they are not local. Please keep me posted on your progress and any additional questions. Jennifer Jortner Cassidy
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Ken’s Answer

Hi Tiffany!


The answer is no!


You will be judged by the scores and the grades that you earn by your hard work and the way in which you take advantage of opportunities such as internships, coop programs, and volunteer and shadowing opportunities related to careers of interest.


Best of luck! Keep me posted. I would like to follow your progress!
Thank you comment icon Thank you for your very helpful insight! I've just been so worried about it. Our county doesn't get a lot of attention simply because of who we are or what we do. I'm glad that organizations and people don't judge us solely on what is available. Thanks for the references! I will totally keep you posted! Tiffany
Thank you comment icon You will always stand out on your own merits!! You can and will become a shining star in your corner of the world. Continue to shine brightly and people will notice you!!! Ken Simmons
Thank you comment icon I just wanted to tell you that I got accepted to the University of Chapel Hill, and that goes to show that living in a rural community is not that bad! I actually think it's a bit of a strength. Tiffany
Thank you comment icon Wow! You as a star are really shining brightly! Best of luck! Please let me know what happens next and how I might be able to help further. Look forward to hearing more! Ken Simmons
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