To Those Not Attending Their "Dream Schools" | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Student Life

To Those Not Attending Their "Dream Schools"

Your true dream school might not be the one you think it is...

259
To Those Not Attending Their "Dream Schools"
https://az616578.vo.msecnd.net/files/2016/07/29/636054283242349664-618448826_bigstock-College-Just-Ahead-Sign-77827751.jpg

College applications. This is a stressful time for most high school seniors. You visit a ton of websites, you go on a ton of tours, and you look at all of these statistics or rankings to determine which schools you want to apply to. Then you most likely pick a dream school that you place on the top of your list, one that you would definitely go to if you got accepted into it. But what if you didn't end up getting to go to your dream school? Then what? Well, this doesn't mean that your college journey is over. In fact, it can mean quite the opposite.

As a high school senior, I applied to several schools in California. I always wanted to be living on the West Coast where it was always warm, especially since I hate the cold East Coast winters. I would always tell people that once high school was over, I was going to move to California for sure. So, I submitted my applications, and anxiously waited for a response just like all the other nervous high school kids.

I was fortunate enough to get accepted into many schools. I had several options, including colleges in my home state of Maryland, other parts of the East Coast, and ones in California. Now, it was time to make a decision. If I remember one thing about senior year, it was always getting asked the question "So, where are you going to college next year?" I also remember continuously telling people that I was still unsure where I was going even though I had already heard back from all of my schools.

This surprised many because they thought that I would immediately just choose my top California choice. But, there are a lot of factors that go into choosing a college. Ones that I didn't really think about, until I had to. We all know that college is expensive. So, in my situation, one of the major factors for me was what colleges were more affordable. I then also took into consideration the campuses and the sizes of the school because I wanted to be a part of a big student body. I looked at college programs for my major and what the schools I got accepted into offered me as a student. Ultimately, I had started to realize that the school that I most likely was going to end up choosing, was a school that wasn't in California.

At first, I was sad. I had envisioned this whole life for myself, where I thought that my "dream" college was out in West Coast under the California sunshine. But, I ended up going to a college in my home state that was the blessing that I didn't even know I had or needed.

I have fallen in love with my university and I love so many things about it. I was able to quickly connect with some great friends to create a fun friend group. It has so many wonderful opportunities for students. I love my major and I love the classes that I will be taking. There are also so many other interesting classes that the university offers that I am eager to take in the future. The campus is big and there is such a large and diverse student body. I could honestly go on and on about everything that I love about the college that I currently attend.

I cannot even picture myself anywhere but at the college that I did end up choosing. At the time, I think I might have thought that I had given up my "dream school," but I now know that my true dream school is the one that I am currently going to. I cannot even imagine going to school anywhere else.

My advice to college seniors: Do not eliminate schools or opportunities too soon. Always stay open minded. Completely evaluate allof your options.

Sometimes you might give up certain opportunities over factors that aren't as important as you might think they are. I may have to walk to class in the snow sometimes, but at least I am loving my college experience while doing it. I hope that all of you will be able to love your school as much as I do.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

178051
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

5197
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

451142
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

22575
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments