4 answers
Ayden
Student
Arvada, Colorado
1
Question
Asked
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what if i don't get accepted ?
what if i don't get accepted into any of the collages i chose or applied to should i just wait and try again or should i lower my expectations and apply to more colleges
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4 answers
Wong Loke Yuen
Head of Programme cum Senior Lecturer
645
Answers
Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Updated
Wong’s Answer
Hi Ayden. An option is to apply to a wider range of colleges. This isn't about lowering your dreams, it's about giving yourself more opportunities. Sometimes people end up at schools they didn't originally plan to attend, and they discover that they actually enjoy the environment, the teachers, and the programs. It can help to apply to different types of schools: some that are harder to get into, some that are more average, and some that are easier. This way, you don't rely on just a few choices.
You can also consider starting at a community college and then transferring to a four-year university. Many students take this route, and it works well for them. Community colleges are usually more affordable, allow you to explore different subjects, and can help raise your grades. After one or two years, you can transfer to a bigger university with a stronger academic record. Many universities have agreements that make this process smoother.
The most important thing to remember is that not getting accepted is not the end of your education. It just means you may need to adjust your plan. You still have time, options, and many ways to reach your goals. Whether you choose to reapply next year, apply to more colleges, or take a different path, you can still build a successful future. Wishing you all the best.
You can also consider starting at a community college and then transferring to a four-year university. Many students take this route, and it works well for them. Community colleges are usually more affordable, allow you to explore different subjects, and can help raise your grades. After one or two years, you can transfer to a bigger university with a stronger academic record. Many universities have agreements that make this process smoother.
The most important thing to remember is that not getting accepted is not the end of your education. It just means you may need to adjust your plan. You still have time, options, and many ways to reach your goals. Whether you choose to reapply next year, apply to more colleges, or take a different path, you can still build a successful future. Wishing you all the best.
Steve Sterner
IT Management
55
Answers
Easton, Pennsylvania
Updated
Steve’s Answer
Great question Ayden and I love all the advice from the group here. I won't reiterate it but wanted to add some perspective with watching my 3 children navigate college.
* My first got into the college he wanted and never looked back (although did change majors once)
* My second got into the school of her choice but after 2 years determined that the school was not right for her, stayed with the same major but with a different focus at a different school The first school was a Seton Hall with name recognition in her field and the second was a different State School from her brother in the middle of nowhere but was a much better fit and a better education. She also spent a Semester at Sea and also got her Master's overseas.
* My Third was accepted at both the University of Hartford and RIT which were her first 2 choices as well as others. It happened that accepted students day at UHart was on a Saturday and that Sunday was accepted students day at Western New England University which was only about 20 miles away. This was a much smaller school and she applied on a whim during a college presentation at our local high school and she was accepted but really dd not consider it much. We decided to go anyway as we were already travelling about 4 hours from our place and it would give us a reference school to help compare others. Sammy stepped onto the campus and the school, the campus the program was such a fit I knew without her saying that is where she would go. She not only went but thrived.
The reason that I tell you these is there is not one way and just because a school has a smaller name, less notoriety or may not be one you considered it may be the school for you. Be that Community College, smaller school, state school or huge University. You need to select the school that you fit and fits you. Your journey, your education and your career is yours exclusively.
I hope this hopes and I wish you all the fortune in the world that where you end up is where you belong.
* My first got into the college he wanted and never looked back (although did change majors once)
* My second got into the school of her choice but after 2 years determined that the school was not right for her, stayed with the same major but with a different focus at a different school The first school was a Seton Hall with name recognition in her field and the second was a different State School from her brother in the middle of nowhere but was a much better fit and a better education. She also spent a Semester at Sea and also got her Master's overseas.
* My Third was accepted at both the University of Hartford and RIT which were her first 2 choices as well as others. It happened that accepted students day at UHart was on a Saturday and that Sunday was accepted students day at Western New England University which was only about 20 miles away. This was a much smaller school and she applied on a whim during a college presentation at our local high school and she was accepted but really dd not consider it much. We decided to go anyway as we were already travelling about 4 hours from our place and it would give us a reference school to help compare others. Sammy stepped onto the campus and the school, the campus the program was such a fit I knew without her saying that is where she would go. She not only went but thrived.
The reason that I tell you these is there is not one way and just because a school has a smaller name, less notoriety or may not be one you considered it may be the school for you. Be that Community College, smaller school, state school or huge University. You need to select the school that you fit and fits you. Your journey, your education and your career is yours exclusively.
I hope this hopes and I wish you all the fortune in the world that where you end up is where you belong.
Karin P.
Lecturer, Academic Advisor, Career Coach
1085
Answers
Göttingen, Lower Saxony, Germany
Updated
Karin’s Answer
Hi Ayden,
You should always apply to a range of colleges with different admission stats. Among those should be mostly target schools (i.e. schools where your stats fall within their range of accepted students), a few reach schools (i.e. schools you like but where you are unlikely to be accepted) and a few safety schools (i.e. schools where you would almost certainly be accepted).
That way you make sure that you will go to college and can start your education. If you only apply to colleges with acceptance rates in the single digits or way outside your stats, you have to be ok with maybe not going to college for a year.
If you should end up not being accepted into any of the schools you applied to, you still have options. You could attend your local Community College and either take some gen ed classes that you can get credit for when you transfer to a 4-year school or go for some kind of certificate that qualifies you for a job. You could take online classes at any of the usual platforms like Coursera, Udemy, Udacity, Codecamp to learn something. You could find a job and work for a year to save up some money for college. You could take a gap year to do things you enjoy (finances permitting), e.g. travel, paint, play sports, whatever.
I would also like to point out that there are 1000s of colleges in the US, including many in your state where you'll get a great education and most likely have a good time. Big name colleges have advantages, small colleges have advantages, state schools have advantages. You are more than the "prestige" of your college. There is more than one way to a satisfying career and life.
I hope this helps! All the best to you!
KP
You should always apply to a range of colleges with different admission stats. Among those should be mostly target schools (i.e. schools where your stats fall within their range of accepted students), a few reach schools (i.e. schools you like but where you are unlikely to be accepted) and a few safety schools (i.e. schools where you would almost certainly be accepted).
That way you make sure that you will go to college and can start your education. If you only apply to colleges with acceptance rates in the single digits or way outside your stats, you have to be ok with maybe not going to college for a year.
If you should end up not being accepted into any of the schools you applied to, you still have options. You could attend your local Community College and either take some gen ed classes that you can get credit for when you transfer to a 4-year school or go for some kind of certificate that qualifies you for a job. You could take online classes at any of the usual platforms like Coursera, Udemy, Udacity, Codecamp to learn something. You could find a job and work for a year to save up some money for college. You could take a gap year to do things you enjoy (finances permitting), e.g. travel, paint, play sports, whatever.
I would also like to point out that there are 1000s of colleges in the US, including many in your state where you'll get a great education and most likely have a good time. Big name colleges have advantages, small colleges have advantages, state schools have advantages. You are more than the "prestige" of your college. There is more than one way to a satisfying career and life.
I hope this helps! All the best to you!
KP
Mario Ramirez
Leader, Customer Delivery
43
Answers
Mexico City, Mexico
Updated
Mario’s Answer
Hey Ayden, thanks for sharing what’s on your mind. I totally get where you’re coming from, and it’s completely normal to feel this way sometimes.
Just remember, don’t give up! It’s really important to understand what might be holding you back. Is there something you need to learn more about? Or maybe it’s a soft skill that could use some work? If you don’t get accepted the first time, there will always be other chances to go after what you want. Take some time to figure out the areas you need to focus on as a candidate, and try to set realistic expectations for yourself.
I know you might want to get into top colleges, and that’s totally possible! Just keep in mind it might take a few steps to get there—like gaining more experience in a specific area first. But if you stay determined, you’ll make that dream happen, and it’ll be one of the best decisions of your life.
You’ve got this, and remember, never give up!
Just remember, don’t give up! It’s really important to understand what might be holding you back. Is there something you need to learn more about? Or maybe it’s a soft skill that could use some work? If you don’t get accepted the first time, there will always be other chances to go after what you want. Take some time to figure out the areas you need to focus on as a candidate, and try to set realistic expectations for yourself.
I know you might want to get into top colleges, and that’s totally possible! Just keep in mind it might take a few steps to get there—like gaining more experience in a specific area first. But if you stay determined, you’ll make that dream happen, and it’ll be one of the best decisions of your life.
You’ve got this, and remember, never give up!