3 answers
Kephra
Student
Toledo, Ohio
1
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I feel average but can I still make it into a great school?
I feel like I'm good a lot of things but I've never been quiet good enough. Someone is always better and I never really get to shine as my own person with my own individuality. I look around at my fellow peers then look at the broader spectrum of people around the country and the level of soil they have compared to mine and it makes me feel like maybe I should settle but I want to be noticed and I want to get into great school nonetheless but I don't know the reality of it.. #college-admissions #college
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3 answers
John Zmuda
Risk Associate at PwC
2
Answers
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John’s Answer
Hi Kephra,
Yes, you can absolutely still get into a great school! With that, each school is unique in it's own way. Just like each individual is unique in his or her own way. A school can still be great even if it is not listed as one of the top universities in the nation. What makes a school great is the opportunity it will give you to succeed and become the best version of you.
You described yourself as "average," but I would actually take a more positive attitude and describe yourself as "well-rounded." Being well-rounded is great because it shows colleges that you have a wide variety of experiences that has shaped who you are. Also, just because you may seem "average" in comparison to your peers that it means you will not get into a great school. In my own experience, I was below average in comparison to my peers and I still ended up going to a great university. Each person brings a unique experience and background to the university they attend and it's up to you to highlight your own experience and background. Focus on instances in which you have challenged yourself both academically as well as in extra-curriculars and I am confident you will get in to many great schools.
You are uniquely and wonderfully made - you are much more than "average." Always strive to be the best you can. Never settle.
I hope this helps!
Best Regards,
John
Yes, you can absolutely still get into a great school! With that, each school is unique in it's own way. Just like each individual is unique in his or her own way. A school can still be great even if it is not listed as one of the top universities in the nation. What makes a school great is the opportunity it will give you to succeed and become the best version of you.
You described yourself as "average," but I would actually take a more positive attitude and describe yourself as "well-rounded." Being well-rounded is great because it shows colleges that you have a wide variety of experiences that has shaped who you are. Also, just because you may seem "average" in comparison to your peers that it means you will not get into a great school. In my own experience, I was below average in comparison to my peers and I still ended up going to a great university. Each person brings a unique experience and background to the university they attend and it's up to you to highlight your own experience and background. Focus on instances in which you have challenged yourself both academically as well as in extra-curriculars and I am confident you will get in to many great schools.
You are uniquely and wonderfully made - you are much more than "average." Always strive to be the best you can. Never settle.
I hope this helps!
Best Regards,
John
Michelle Vakman
Director, Graduate Admission
4
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
I was just reading something the other day that said "if you're worrying about making it into the best schools, you're already on the track to success." Many colleges are thinking about "fit," meaning who will do the best there as well as who is most likely to enroll. Just because you're not the person with the longest resume or the highest SAT score, that doesn't mean you won't get in. Or, if you are, that doesn't mean you WILL get in. Be yourself, find a list of schools that would make you happy, and make sure your application shows WHY it will make you happy. The rest should take care of itself.
Nicole Baillie
Data Analyst
483
Answers
Atlanta, Georgia
Updated
Nicole’s Answer
Hi Kephra R. I see that you posted this question a little while ago so I hope my answer to you (or others who may read this response) is still helpful.
The best piece of advice I can offer here is to find out and resolve why you "feel average". I think sorting this out is worth your time. Why? Most people aren't born with loads of confidence. In general terms, confidence is something that grows over time. It can grow with small successes...winning a game, getting an A, playing a piece of music in a solo. But even though confidence can start small, it is a factor in being successful. Confidence, even a little at a time, is what gets individuals to feel comfortable being in front of others to share and collaborate. It helps with interviewing whether that is for a college application process, an internship or a job as part of your career.
I think you will find that the good news is, with growing confidence, comes increased personal expectations and building on goals. Once you know you are capable of doing something well (which I believe everyone is), then internal drivers will drive a person to ask themselves "if I can do this, what is the next great thing I can do?" "How about working on the plan to make it into that great school I have been dreaming of?":). Then, take the time to build your plan. Then work your plan. Do the steps. Adjust and correct where necessary. All of these things can be confidence builders. Obstacles...not fun...but putting in the work to overcome them can be excellent confidence builders.
Hope you find this answer helpful. Best of luck to you!
The best piece of advice I can offer here is to find out and resolve why you "feel average". I think sorting this out is worth your time. Why? Most people aren't born with loads of confidence. In general terms, confidence is something that grows over time. It can grow with small successes...winning a game, getting an A, playing a piece of music in a solo. But even though confidence can start small, it is a factor in being successful. Confidence, even a little at a time, is what gets individuals to feel comfortable being in front of others to share and collaborate. It helps with interviewing whether that is for a college application process, an internship or a job as part of your career.
I think you will find that the good news is, with growing confidence, comes increased personal expectations and building on goals. Once you know you are capable of doing something well (which I believe everyone is), then internal drivers will drive a person to ask themselves "if I can do this, what is the next great thing I can do?" "How about working on the plan to make it into that great school I have been dreaming of?":). Then, take the time to build your plan. Then work your plan. Do the steps. Adjust and correct where necessary. All of these things can be confidence builders. Obstacles...not fun...but putting in the work to overcome them can be excellent confidence builders.
Hope you find this answer helpful. Best of luck to you!