In 2018, I decided to SIR to Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. My dream school was always UC Davis. I was waitlisted, then rejected. Cal Poly SLO was a nice school, and I know for many people it was their dream school. However, I didn’t see myself staying there and didn’t believe it to be the path for me.
In July of 2018, I attended orientation for Cal Poly SLO. I was nervous, anxious, and frustrated the whole car ride to SLO. My parents dropped me off at the room I would be staying at on campus, and before they left I broke down in tears in the room in front of them and told them, “I’m not happy.”
My parents told me that it was okay, and if I wanted to go to community college first, it was okay. I went through a lot of mental health issues due to the college admissions process and they understood me. My mom and dad didn’t want me to go to community college at first because they didn’t want me to possibly face the rejection and disappointment again if things were to go poorly.
I texted my roommates, who wished for me the best. I contacted Cal Poly and got ALL of my money back (including ones past the deadline and non-refundable). I did have some regrets when people told me I was crazy for leaving such a good school, and that I’m missing out on two years of dorm experience, etc.
I went to community college with the intent of submitting my TAG to UC Davis. I worked really hard. I got my TAG accepted in the Fall. Yesterday, I got my official acceptance to UC Davis. I finished all my GEs and saved a ton of money. Plus, I’m happy that I get to go to my dream school. If I had gone to CSU first, I don’t think I would have gotten in because community college students have priority.
I’d just like to say that there are many paths to your dream school. Time has passed by so fast, and it feels amazing once you check your portal and there is confetti covering your screen.