I do not know what to do and because of the corona-virus I am reconsidering everything. I got into a top 50 university but I do not think that it is right for me. I feel sad and am mad at myself feeling as if I messed up. Does anyone think it is a dumb idea to just apply to college again this next year after taking a gap year?
I am worried on what to do if I get into a worse school for me (as in one that does not have my desired program or is significantly less academic). Also this next year it could be so much harder to get into college so I could be making life harder for myself, which is even more true because I did not perform as well my senior year as my other years of high school (just not straight as but not bad). And I am wondering if I would still have to submit my act/sat scores or if colleges would see I aplied to college last year. But if I get into a better fit school it will all be worth it, plus I know I want to do a gap year. Honestly any advice is appreciated, sorry for this rant and thank you if you answer.
I think that it is hard to give good advice without knowing more.
What is your intended major?
What is your budget?
Where did you get accepted? Is it affordable without debt?
What do you want in a university? What matters to you in terms of what schools would you be glad to be going to versus not so happy?
What were your grades each year of high school (by year)? Unweighted would be more useful than weighted because different high schools in the US compute weighted GPAs in very different ways.
What would you do with your gap year? Typically gap years are for doing something that enhances your life or provides growth. You don’t have to cure cancer but sitting around isn’t optimal either. Opportunities to do research, travel, or work will probably be limited this year.
Why isn’t your college choice a good fit? Is this the uncertainty of Covid driving this or is the school truly not a great fit? If it’s really not a great fit you might have other options. You could look at the NACAC list of schools that still have openings (it’s a lot this year). You could also contact schools you turned down and see if they’ll reconsider. My S20 has had a few telling him they would do this.
You’re not alone. My son has same concerns. He was thinking about a gap year. I told him not to think of the next 6 months but the next 2-3 years after. We put the deposit down after that. The next year will be odd no matter what you choose but the worst thing I think you can do is lose focus of the future. If we’re here still talking about Covid a year or two from now then maybe we’ll re-evaluate but for now we’ll roll with the punches.
thank you to all that have responded and Im sorry for the late reply. My change of heart is not because of the college but because it was my parents that influenced my decision the most. they loved the school also my goals in what i wanted to do changed. I have not decided on what to do and am just musing at this point. if you early decision to a college then gap year are you still bound my that legal agreement or free to apply again? i do not want to dissapoint people or break this agreement which is why i am just musing, but i do think that it will be best for my happiness. sorry for the grammar
to answer other questions- I will probably volunteer during gap year or work to save money while getting experience. I want a different location in a college too.
My testing is awful but I do not know if colleges will allow the class of 2020 to go test optional. do you think they will or should I retake?
I am in the exact same situation so please don’t stress too much! You are not alone. I committed to a top school because my parents wanted me to attend. After that, I realized that I wanted to switch my major and attend a different college. After a lot of thinking, I decided to withdraw my admission and take a gap year. Right now, I feel worried for the future, but I’m a lot happier. The colleges I’ll be applying are gonna be test optional (UCs). Trust your gut and follow your heart. You can use your gap year to improve your mental health and feel more ready for college.
Thank you that does ease my stress a lot! when you withdrew your admission, did you still have a spot for 2025 in the college you first committed to? I am worried about not having a space in the college I committed too because I could then not get into any at all if i reapply.
Also did you also ed, or do you think that my situation is different because of that?
Many colleges are going test optional next year.
BUT… colleges are still likely to award merit scholarships based on test scores.
So, there’ll be a need to test at some point in the Fall - and if the SAT/ACT want to
survive, they need to quickly move to online/at home testing. [The ACT was already
online abroad, but in a test center with a monitor.]
I’d advise that you inform your ED school about the change in financial circumstances so that, if push comes to shove, you can afford to attend. If they become unaffordable, you’re no longer bound by your ED agreement.
At the same time, look at the NACAC list (there’s even a thread about it on college confidential).
What you do with a gap year matters a ton if you re-apply. I have some classmates who did gap year, and they interned or traveled and had a good time. Gap year spent on the couch probably puts you worse off. Worth thinking about the how coronavirus would affect your typical gap year things like travel, working, volunteering, etc.
I know my daughter’s college does not allow you to reapply to other schools if they hold your place. It is considered binding on you if they grant you a gap year deferral. Is attending the college you have been accepted and then transferring if it is what you fear, an option? I am one of those worried that the current circumstances mean a gap year is not going to be nearly as fruitful, either for personal growth or future college applications, as a normal year.