<p>Wow. I remembered about this just now (at 2 am lol) and came to find 6 pgs. of replies. </p>
<p>Anyway.</p>
<p>Thanks to the following people:</p>
<p>Infinite_Truth
spiffystars
whatever4
bdl108
Deema
amb3r
rlm919
snowgurl7377
roxxy
Keshira
laurgirl220
kyledavid80
Formidable
phoenix17
dvm258
LaLaLa12345
lobgent </p>
<p>for writing real, constructive responses to the thread. There are alot of them which prevents me from answering each one by one. However, many mentioned other schools in which I would be just as academically challenged and might end up having a better time than in a "prestigious" school. I will look into the schools mentioned as it might be true. Maybe I'd enjoy myself better somewhere where "kids sit in libraries" all day. But what I meant was that I really want an environment where kids love that- to learn. I do relate that to the Ivy League and other top schools:</p>
<p><<<so the="" ivy="" league="" is="" a="" dream.="" plus="" other="" equivalents:="" place="" where="" people-="" everyone-="" has="" had="" passion="" for="" learning="" since="" they="" can="" recall.="">>></so></p>
<p>Perhaps I am wrong (like many mentioned) and many in those top universities aren't all that "intellectual" for want of a better word. I never meant "a place full of bookworms" but a place where every single student shares a "passion for learning" not a need for a degree. </p>
<p>Furthermore, of course you have brilliant people in every school. I never said there weren't. But look at the stats: over 20,000 more than competent kids apply to the Ivies and Friends every year. That's a huge number. Look at the "What are my chances?" section and see how many amazing kids post "Chances for MIT" or "Caltech" or "HYPS Please!!!". I am not the only one who associates higher achievement with top schools. Most overachievers in CC are applying to top schools so I don't see how some found the fact that my dream school is UPenn insulting. </p>
<p>Thanks also for the ones who adviced not to fret. I guess that's what I need the most right now. But as stated in the Original Post, so many kids out there are just so incredible.</p>
<p>Yes, the Florida education system might not be the greatest. I agree with dmv258. That's the way I've felt throughout HS and although UF is a magnificent school, I am not planning to stay in Florida (although I love it). </p>
<p>The OP (post, not poster) was about how I felt that although I consider myself intelligent, I might not make it to my dream school (UPenn for Wharton) because there are so many more amazing kids out there:</p>
<p><<<when i="" think="" about="" it,="" sometimes,="" it="" just...="" seems="" like="" am="" not="" going="" to="" get="" in.="" why?="" geez="" because="" never="" won="" science="" state="" champion,="" joined="" a="" math="" league,="" did="" research="" in="" fancy="" hospital,="" nope.="" an="" exchange="" student,="" didn't="" volunteer="" building="" homes="" for="" the="" poor.="" none="" of="" that.="">>></when></p>
<p>Look at the "What are my chances?" threads and you will see incredible profiles. Kids that although I don't know personally, I admire for all their accomplishments. But that at times, in comparison, I look so dull. </p>
<p>So I don't see where the whole</p>
<p><<<the op="" is="" arrogant,="" egocentric,="" ethnocentric,="" racist,="" homophobic,="" and="" whiny="">>></the></p>
<p>comes in. Everyone has their own opinions. But read the original post and I don't see where the "arrogant" comes in. Yes, I do consider myself brilliant. YOU SHOULD CONSIDER YOURSELF BRILLIANT. I don't see the point of applying anywhere if you don't think you deserve to get in. What should I say instead: "I am applying to top schools but I don't think I am that smart really."</p>
<p>Geez if I don't think I am smart to begin with, how the hell are adcoms going to think I am smart? How is anyone going to think I am a perfect fit for a school if I don't recognize my own abilities myself?</p>
<p>And "egocentric"? Again that's your opinion. But the post, titled "DEPRESSED.." at the end, especially said:</p>
<p><<<so i="" guess="" this="" is="" a="" rant.="" perhaps="" some="" of="" you="" have="" felt="" the="" same?="">>></so></p>
<p>I posted a thread about how I was feeling depressed over the whole process and fear of been overlooked. It wasn't a thread titled: "Post your SAT scores!" or "Share your best HS experience!" I was sad and I typed what I felt. I felt. Not what anyone else felt. It doesn't mean I only think about myself. </p>
<p>"Ethnocentric". Are you serious? Where? Where in my post do I sound ethnocentric? That could possibly be the last adjective to accurately describe myself. You know I don't even called myself "Hispanic"? When asked of course, or when it comes into play, duh, I say "I am Hispanic". But otherwise, I always say "I'm proud to be an American"? Because I don't think ethnicity should be given as much importance as it is right now. I even mentioned I don't agree with Affirmative Action in one of the replies in this thread. </p>
<p>"Racist". Why? Because I wrote:</p>
<p><<<and i="" am="" not="" your="" typical="" asian="" or="" wasp.="" and="" don't="" mean="" that="" in="" a="" bad="" way="" either.="" stereotypically,="" the="" asians="" kids="" cc="" are="" just="" so...="" overboard="" it's="" already="" common.="">>></and></p>
<p>It's true. Unfortunately, because so many competent students that apply to top schools are Asian, they are overlooked. It's considered "common", when their accomplishments are far from that. But those are the two most "abudant" ethnicities in top schools- Asians and Whites. Which is why I felt I had to mention my ethnicity. Regardless of whether you agree or not, it does play a role in the college admission process. </p>
<p>"Homophobic". That made me furrow my brows and wonder what in the name of God did I type in the original post that made the slighest hint at anyone's sexuality. Yes, I am pretty conservative. No I don't agree with homosexuality. But by no means am I homophobic. One of my best friends is gay and the president of the Gay-Straight Alliance in my school. I have many gay friends (which is ironic I guess). But how would you know that? And my personal beliefs are that- personal. I won't change my beliefs to fit anyone else's lifestyle. I respect your choice and you. But I won't change my stance. </p>
<p>So I think it's pretty ridiculous for you to sum it all up and call me arrogant, egocentric, ethnocentric, racist, AND homophobic when you clearly have no clue on who I am. </p>
<p>And "whiny"? I guess I may have sounded whiny to some so that's your opinion. </p>
<p>Formidable:
<<<you sound="" like="" a="" smart="" guy="" and="" guys="" make="" things="" happen="" on="" their="" own.="" they="" don't="" need="" degree="" from="" fancy="" university="" as="" crutch.="">>></you></p>
<p>It's true. You can get as high as you want regardless of the type of education you receive (if any at all). However, in the field of politics (where I one day hope to enter) networking is key. And although as mentioned beforehand, anything is possible regardless of the name of your college, the "fancy" universities resources/connections do help on that area. </p>
<p>But you're right. =) Thank you.</p>
<p>Dmv258:
Yes UF is a possibility although a very small one. It's a great school. I sort of overlook the financial part for now as my income sucks so much (household of four, less than 20,000=below poverty level) that I will probably get loads of financial aid. I hope I do. If not I can't afford anywhere. </p>
<p>Anyway.</p>
<p>Again thanks for all the constructive responses. Alot of you sympathized with the whole admission process that more often than not, feels overwhelming. I wish you all the best of luck. </p>
<p>And HSisOverrated, c'mon man. I started this thread and even I haven't been in it as often as you. I don't understand what angered you so much but calm down man. You must have like 10+ replies. Don't make this thread your new hobby as I am sure you need time for other things. </p>
<p>Once again, thanks to everyone. :)</p>