I feel like I've wasted $75

<p>Looking at other applicants, I know I won't get in...</p>

<p>So, I'm wondering, what's the point of applying to a school if you know you're not going to get in? I see it happen all the time (especially at my school) and it's just a waste of time and money. Should I even bother applying to other Ivies once I'm rejected from Penn?</p>

<p>Don’t feel discouraged Samonuh! As long as you have the passion and the drive, you’ll be able to succeed no matter where you go. </p>

<p>The truth is, many students with amazing ec, grades, sats/acts get rejected from Penn every year, and many students with what many would consider “sub-par” scores or ecs get in. </p>

<p>Why is this? Who really knows. But I think that UPenn would value a student with a truly strong love for Penn and the motivation to succeed much more than a one dimensional student with only their “perfect” scores. After all, what really makes Penn the amazing school that it is, is the wonderful student body they attract. I’m sure they would rather have a diverse student body filled with people who might not be the strongest candidate but who have great potential to succeed, rather than a student body consisting of robotic testing junkies.</p>

<p>So I say you should apply to colleges you could really see yourself thriving in. After all, the chances of you getting in is 0 if you don’t apply.</p>

<p>Great post from sparklyumbrellas ^_^</p>

<p>I think that college apps can really make you feel inadequate. At least, I know that’s the case for me. But I think that, given how much work you’ve put in other the last 3-4 years, you should always always apply if you really love a school. What’s a couple more essays? Besides, it doesn’t really matter if everyone else seems better than you–college admissions are a crap shoot, and you’ve always got a shot. Just put forth your best work, and if it doesn’t work out, at least you’ll know you got rejected by the (fifth) best. That’s what I tell myself!</p>