12 answers
Jenny
Student
10
Questions
Asked
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What should I do if I don't get into any of the colleges I've applied to?
I applied to 9 colleges, but now I'm getting worried that I might not get into any of them. If I do end up not getting into any of the colleges, what are some things I could do?
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12 answers
Michel Davis
Medical student
171
Answers
Cranston, Rhode Island
Updated
Michel’s Answer
I ended up going to Community College once I left the military. I spent five years in the military, and lost a lot of the knowledge that I developed during high school. I ended up having to take remediation classes in math and english in order to be at a college level in these courses. At first I thought of how embarrassing this was. I thought I was behind everyone else, and I was never going to be able to do the things that I wanted to do because I started at Community College. I am now in a medical school that I would never have dreamed of going to when I was in highschool. We all take different paths to get where we are going. If you don’t get into college this time you can look into community college. You can reapply you can improve scores. You can check out the work force if there is anything that interests you. You can do a lot of things. We all have to find our path and they will not all be the same. College admissions is a stressful time, and it makes us feel extremely stressed during this time. I think it is important to sit back and do some things that you really enjoy to make yourself happy during this stressful time. I know that no matter what we do the back of our mind is going to say that we are not going to make it, but we are all going to make it in the time that we do. You are an awesome person, and you are going to do great. Find something that makes you happy and enjoy time with friends while you wait. No matter what those decision letters say they don’t define you and you are going to be great out in the world. I believe in you.
Anthony Ngo
40
Answers
Kirkland, Washington
Updated
Anthony’s Answer
Hello Jenny,
Waiting for college acceptance can be stressful. At this time there is nothing much you can do and worrying will not help. Focus your attention on doing something positive. Reward yourself for getting here (getting all the requirements to apply to these 9 colleges done.) Go do something fun.
If you do not get into any of these colleges, then reassess what you want to do with your career and is going to college the only path will get you there ? Is there another way to get there? For example, a lot of people going to college for computer science/engineering. But I personally know and work with very talented software/hardware developers, designers and analysts who do not have 4-year degree. A lot of successful managers/administrators do not have 4-year college degree. Vocational trainings, online trainings or even on the job trainings can be good option to get what you want.
Of course certain career absolutely require college degree (doctor, dentist, lawyer etc....) community colleges (with admission requirement usually lower) would be good stepping stones to transfer to 4-year college/university. If you can demonstrate your academic ability, getting transfer is not an issue. Work hard to accomplish your goal.
Best of luck.
Anthony
Waiting for college acceptance can be stressful. At this time there is nothing much you can do and worrying will not help. Focus your attention on doing something positive. Reward yourself for getting here (getting all the requirements to apply to these 9 colleges done.) Go do something fun.
If you do not get into any of these colleges, then reassess what you want to do with your career and is going to college the only path will get you there ? Is there another way to get there? For example, a lot of people going to college for computer science/engineering. But I personally know and work with very talented software/hardware developers, designers and analysts who do not have 4-year degree. A lot of successful managers/administrators do not have 4-year college degree. Vocational trainings, online trainings or even on the job trainings can be good option to get what you want.
Of course certain career absolutely require college degree (doctor, dentist, lawyer etc....) community colleges (with admission requirement usually lower) would be good stepping stones to transfer to 4-year college/university. If you can demonstrate your academic ability, getting transfer is not an issue. Work hard to accomplish your goal.
Best of luck.
Anthony
I appreciate this, thank you for the advice.
Jenny
Kelly Fritz
KYC Associate
4
Answers
Columbus, Ohio
Updated
Kelly’s Answer
Hi Jenny,
Submitting college applications can be an exciting and stressful time. My advise to you is not worry about it. Worrying won't change the outcome. Enjoy the time you have now that the application process is finished.
Not getting into the college of your choice is a pretty common occurrence. It just means you have to take a step back and reevaluate your plan. I didn't get accepted to any colleges right out of high school. For me, the best decision at the time was to take some time and figure out what I truly wanted to do and learn more about myself. A few years later, I did get into college and got my degree. If it's important enough to you, you'll find a way. And just some advice I learned along the way, I wish I would have started my degree at a community college. The scheduling would have been more flexible and it would have saved a lot of money.
Whatever happens, I wish you good luck!
Submitting college applications can be an exciting and stressful time. My advise to you is not worry about it. Worrying won't change the outcome. Enjoy the time you have now that the application process is finished.
Not getting into the college of your choice is a pretty common occurrence. It just means you have to take a step back and reevaluate your plan. I didn't get accepted to any colleges right out of high school. For me, the best decision at the time was to take some time and figure out what I truly wanted to do and learn more about myself. A few years later, I did get into college and got my degree. If it's important enough to you, you'll find a way. And just some advice I learned along the way, I wish I would have started my degree at a community college. The scheduling would have been more flexible and it would have saved a lot of money.
Whatever happens, I wish you good luck!
david kirk
Retired Computing Manager
480
Answers
Syracuse, New York
Updated
david’s Answer
Hi, Jenny,
That is a stressful situation, for sure. I know; I've been there. At worst, this might be a minor setback, but that's all. To keep your momentum,
- consider a community college to continue your studies. That gives you time to revisit your college choices while keeping you moving forward
- if still in HS, visit your guidance counselor to review the colleges you picked and get some feedback on your chances. This might also be a good time to get a professional's assessment on how your grades match to those particular colleges expectations. And, the counselor may have suggestions for some overlooked colleges.
- colleges have dropouts during that first semester, so following up with college registrars for opportunities in second semester may prove positive.
I have great confidence in you, Jenny, because you're showing such commitment now. All the best.
That is a stressful situation, for sure. I know; I've been there. At worst, this might be a minor setback, but that's all. To keep your momentum,
- consider a community college to continue your studies. That gives you time to revisit your college choices while keeping you moving forward
- if still in HS, visit your guidance counselor to review the colleges you picked and get some feedback on your chances. This might also be a good time to get a professional's assessment on how your grades match to those particular colleges expectations. And, the counselor may have suggestions for some overlooked colleges.
- colleges have dropouts during that first semester, so following up with college registrars for opportunities in second semester may prove positive.
I have great confidence in you, Jenny, because you're showing such commitment now. All the best.
Mark King
2 business owner -Chef service & handyman service-Proud Military Veteran
32
Answers
Wichita, Kansas
Updated
Mark’s Answer
Stay upbeat. It takes time for the Admin Dept. to go through all the applications they get almost daily.
Uncle Sam-Military Service-is a good alternative. Current GI BILL covers a lot more than many folks realize.
If you score high enough on the ASVAB-Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery-they may offer you a commission to officer status.
Which means Service Academies ( West Point-Annapolis-Colorado Springs) or ROTC.
Last I knew, an officer from a Service Academy comes out with a 2-4 year Bachelors or Masters Degree in all kinds of things.
Plus you'll get the opportunity to get your PHD if that's what you want & are willing to work for.
Something to think about.
FYI: GI BILL paid for my 2 Associates & 1 Bachelors Degree's.
Good Luck.
Uncle Sam-Military Service-is a good alternative. Current GI BILL covers a lot more than many folks realize.
If you score high enough on the ASVAB-Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery-they may offer you a commission to officer status.
Which means Service Academies ( West Point-Annapolis-Colorado Springs) or ROTC.
Last I knew, an officer from a Service Academy comes out with a 2-4 year Bachelors or Masters Degree in all kinds of things.
Plus you'll get the opportunity to get your PHD if that's what you want & are willing to work for.
Something to think about.
FYI: GI BILL paid for my 2 Associates & 1 Bachelors Degree's.
Good Luck.
Jessica Pugliese
Career Advisor
35
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Jessica’s Answer
Hi Jenny,
If you have not heard back yet - stay positive! 9 applications is a good amount; hopefully something works out.
If not,
1. Take some gap time but use the time wisely - if you didn't get into a school due to grades, how can you demonstrate you're preparing for better grades during your gap time? Can you work/shadow/intern somewhere that aligns with your career goals? Earn some money for textbooks/extra spending money.
2. Take classes/apply to a community college - this will help your GPA if you need this and you can (hopefully) transfer these classes into a bachelor's degree.
3. See if you can go on one of their waitlists.
4. If you can financially afford to, see if you can take classes at one of the 9 schools as a non-matriculated student. Again, taking classes is a way to improve your GPA (if that's the reason you are denied).
Good luck!
Jessica
If you have not heard back yet - stay positive! 9 applications is a good amount; hopefully something works out.
If not,
1. Take some gap time but use the time wisely - if you didn't get into a school due to grades, how can you demonstrate you're preparing for better grades during your gap time? Can you work/shadow/intern somewhere that aligns with your career goals? Earn some money for textbooks/extra spending money.
2. Take classes/apply to a community college - this will help your GPA if you need this and you can (hopefully) transfer these classes into a bachelor's degree.
3. See if you can go on one of their waitlists.
4. If you can financially afford to, see if you can take classes at one of the 9 schools as a non-matriculated student. Again, taking classes is a way to improve your GPA (if that's the reason you are denied).
Good luck!
Jessica
Sharon Mauri
RN Case Manager/Hospice/ Palliative Care
8
Answers
Anchorage, Alaska
Updated
Sharon’s Answer
There are so many things you can do. One might be to take classes at a Community College for a year and then reapply to the schools that still interest you.
Volunteer in the field that you are interested in or in general. There is lots to learn in every choice you make.
Whatever happens with these schools as far as your acceptance know that it isn’t forever. Likely you will be accepted to one of the schools of your choice. If not
it opens up other ideas and possibilities.
You will succeed. Keep up the hard work.
Volunteer in the field that you are interested in or in general. There is lots to learn in every choice you make.
Whatever happens with these schools as far as your acceptance know that it isn’t forever. Likely you will be accepted to one of the schools of your choice. If not
it opens up other ideas and possibilities.
You will succeed. Keep up the hard work.
James Hanzel
Corrections and Security
236
Answers
Cape Coral, Florida
Updated
James’s Answer
I faced this issue when I was a senior in high school. I didn't get the options I wanted. I decided to take a gap year. The gap year was hugely beneficial to me. I loved it and had a great experience working full-time, while figuring out what I wanted to do. You can then go to community college. Sometimes community colleges have transfer agreements with their state universities. This can get you into some really good schools.
Rian Alam
Student
139
Answers
Seattle, Washington
Updated
Rian’s Answer
Hi Jenny,
I know how stressful of a time this is. But, please don't fret too much. If worst comes to worst and you don't get in, community college is always an option. What most people don't realize is that transferring from community college to a larger 4 year institution is actually pretty easy. Often times community college classes can help bosot your application, and make it even easier to get in.
Best of luck to you
Rian
I know how stressful of a time this is. But, please don't fret too much. If worst comes to worst and you don't get in, community college is always an option. What most people don't realize is that transferring from community college to a larger 4 year institution is actually pretty easy. Often times community college classes can help bosot your application, and make it even easier to get in.
Best of luck to you
Rian
David Weaver
Senior Consultant
3
Answers
Chicago, Illinois
Updated
David’s Answer
If there is still time and you are concerned that all 9 schools are a reach, I would apply to a few other schools using the common app that are not "reach" schools. Also, if you do not get into the schools that you wish right out of high school, you can attend Community College or another College for a year or two to demonstrate that you can handle the rigors of higher education. Transferring schools is quite common and it can often be easier to get in as a transfer with a year of college level grades that demonstrate your ability. Good luck!
Sheila Jordan
Lead Network Proj/Prog Manager
711
Answers
Atlanta, Georgia
Updated
Sheila’s Answer
Hi Jenny:
Good job on applying to 9 colleges. I'm sure it's stressful waiting to hear back from them. If you do not get into any of the schools you've applied to you might want to consider a Community College, Trade School, or Technical College. While you're waiting you could also apply to online schools to get a certification (ie, web design, cybersecurity, project management, etc). Best of luck to you!
~ Sheila
Good job on applying to 9 colleges. I'm sure it's stressful waiting to hear back from them. If you do not get into any of the schools you've applied to you might want to consider a Community College, Trade School, or Technical College. While you're waiting you could also apply to online schools to get a certification (ie, web design, cybersecurity, project management, etc). Best of luck to you!
~ Sheila
Rosalyn Van Winkle
Security
6
Answers
Irving, Texas
Updated
Rosalyn’s Answer
If a student cannot get into any of the colleges applied to, another option may be the community college in their community. Some community colleges have an easier admission process, and the cost is usually less expensive than a university or 4 year college. While working on an associate degree from a community college, a student can establish a high grade point average that can assist them in being accepted to university/4 year college. Also, community college allows for an easier transition from high school to college.