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How do i get in to the college i want even if im rejected?
im in highschool and scared i wont get into a college i want to.
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2 answers
Karin P.
Lecturer, Academic Advisor, Career Coach, Mentor
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Karin’s Answer
Hi Xianghao,
Applying to college can certainly be stressful but even if you get some rejections (everybody does), it's not the end of the road in any way. First of all, let go of the idea that there is only one perfect "dream college" that you have to go to. There are hundreds and thousands of colleges across the US and many of them would be perfectly fine to attend. So, relax!
First, I would recommend that you find out what you want to major in. It doesn't have to be the final answer, but at least find a general direction. Consider what you are good at, what you are interested in and what kind of job you want to have as an adult. Research professions you would consider and what the educational requirements are. Get as much information as you can, talk to people working in those jobs and maybe shadow some professionals. I see in your other question that you are interested in engineering. So, you can start by researching the different types of engineering.
Next, find colleges that offer that education. Check out and compare different programs and admission requirements. I left some links below that can help you explore careers and colleges. If you find that you don't meet all the admission requirements for programs at 4-year institutions, you can start at a community college near you and get an associates degree. Community college is a lot cheaper than 4-year universities, so you'll save some money along the way. And in California there are established pathways for transfer students.
I hope this helps! All the best to you!
KP
https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/
https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/
https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/
https://www.cccco.edu/Students/Transfer
Applying to college can certainly be stressful but even if you get some rejections (everybody does), it's not the end of the road in any way. First of all, let go of the idea that there is only one perfect "dream college" that you have to go to. There are hundreds and thousands of colleges across the US and many of them would be perfectly fine to attend. So, relax!
First, I would recommend that you find out what you want to major in. It doesn't have to be the final answer, but at least find a general direction. Consider what you are good at, what you are interested in and what kind of job you want to have as an adult. Research professions you would consider and what the educational requirements are. Get as much information as you can, talk to people working in those jobs and maybe shadow some professionals. I see in your other question that you are interested in engineering. So, you can start by researching the different types of engineering.
Next, find colleges that offer that education. Check out and compare different programs and admission requirements. I left some links below that can help you explore careers and colleges. If you find that you don't meet all the admission requirements for programs at 4-year institutions, you can start at a community college near you and get an associates degree. Community college is a lot cheaper than 4-year universities, so you'll save some money along the way. And in California there are established pathways for transfer students.
I hope this helps! All the best to you!
KP
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Updated
Rafael’s Answer
Hey Xianghao, totally understand that fear but I want you to know that a rejection is never the end of the road, it's just a detour. From my own experience, I didn't go to just one school and call it a day, I ended up attending three different universities across different countries for my studies, and each step opened up new and better opportunities I never expected. The truth is where you start doesn't define where you end up, and if you don't get into your dream school right away you can always transfer in, apply for graduate programs there later, or find a different school that turns out to be an even better fit. I also earned scholarships and fellowships along the way including merit-based awards and partial tuition support which shows that when you work hard and build a strong profile, doors keep opening for you no matter where you are. On top of that I kept stacking certifications and real world experience which honestly matters just as much as the name on your diploma. So my advice is to apply broadly, have backup options you'd be genuinely happy with, and remember that if you get rejected you can reapply, transfer, or prove yourself somewhere else and still end up exactly where you want to be because your hustle and dedication matter way more than one admissions decision! You've got this!