Reflections from an Ivy-bound high school graduate...

Applying to College
1

<p>Hi! I’ve been lurking on CC for a few years now, and while I haven’t really posted much until recently, I have something I’d like to say to those of you who are beginning or in the midst of the college-admissions frenzy…</p>

<p>Currently, I am preparing to travel across the country to attend an Ivy League institution in the fall. A year ago, if someone told me I would be going to this school, I would have laughed in their face. I didn’t think I had a chance at all. Looking at some of the “chance me” posts here, I felt that I was a fool for even considering applying to this school. </p>

<p>But now, here I am. And after the hours spent in classrooms taking tests, the grueling winter break I spent writing essay after essay, all the nights I stayed up cramming for AP Bio, it’s interesting being on the other side of the admissions process. </p>

<p>I’ve come to realize that as much as it seems to be the end of the world if you don’t get into your “top-choice” school – indeed, for many of us, applying to college <em>is</em> our world for at least a year – it really isn’t. Before March 31st, I assumed I would be going to a really good, but not amazing, public university in my state, and I was okay with that. While seeing the singing bulldog on my computer screen that day was surreal and exciting, the euphoria has worn off by now. I know college won’t be perfect. No college experience is. I’m excited, but I’m not bouncing off the walls. I still have concerns, just like anyone going into their freshman year of college.</p>

<p>I know that things aren’t going to magically fall into my lap as soon as I walk through the gate. I’m still going to have to work hard, become involved, and search out opportunities – just as I would at any other university.</p>

<p>I guess what I’m trying to say is that the admissions process is not a means to an end. The big envelope isn’t the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. Some things are inevitably out of your control, and what goes on in the admissions office is one of them. Once you get to college, YOU are the one who determines your own opportunities – not Mr. Admissions Officer.</p>

<p>That being said, I think the most important thing I gained from this process is that all the schools on your list should be ones that you would be excited about attending. Research your safeties just as you would research the others…I almost ended up at one of mine, and I would have been happy there, too. </p>

<p>On the flip side, please, PLEASE don’t be discouraged from applying somewhere because you think you don’t have a shot (based on CC posts or elsewhere). I almost didn’t apply to certain schools – and I almost lost an amazing opportunity. You might be disappointed, but at least you won’t always be wondering “what if.”</p>

<p>In conclusion, I think that most smart, motivated students like you guys go where they’re meant to go – not because of some hand of fate guiding them to a specific school, but because they will inevitably be successful wherever they end up. </p>

<p>Sorry this post is so long, but I feel like I could have used my current self telling me this last August. I hope it helps some of you here :) Keep your chin up, rising seniors!</p>

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<p>it’d be great if you could post stats that could explain why yale accepted you. all i hope is that you’re not a URM, athlete, etc.</p>

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<p>Those of us who peruse CC daily have twisted our perception of college admission into an all-or-nothing game for that coveted spot at a certain Dream School. I feel as if you’re message is a breathe of fresh air amiss this miasma of hooks, EC steroiding, and chance me threads. Thank you for the time you have taken to write this and I encourage my peers in the class of 2014 to follow the humility and respect that zqsvrm has shown here. Your message is perhaps most sincere in the fact that you possess the self-discipline to leave your numbers and EC’s off.</p>

<p>Thank you.</p>

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<p>Thank you for this - it’s all a refreshing insight.</p>

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<p>Lucky Gus, you’ve missed his whole point. There is not some magical formula that he can post to show “why” he was accepted and why someone else might or might not be.</p>

<p>Great post, OP.</p>

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<p>I got his point. If he had been one of the aforementioned cases, however, I would have considered his point moot.</p>

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<p>Thanks for this. The more time I spent on the admissions process, the more I find my perspective slipping away. Life is good, and I am smart, acceptance letter or no.</p>

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<p>It’s a little cliche but still refreshing.</p>

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<p><a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/yale-university/737773-feel-good-yale-stories-please-2.html#post1062878346[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/yale-university/737773-feel-good-yale-stories-please-2.html#post1062878346&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

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<p>well, if you read the rest of that post and the other one I made in that thread, I explain my circumstances a little more. That’s another topic, though, and not really the point I was trying to make in this particular post…but take from it what you will.</p>

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<p>I continually have a problem with these posts wherein the acceptee claims to know why they were accepted to a certain college. No one knows why; just as know one knows precisely why they were rejected! Thus, we get these posts wherein the acceptee points to the theoretical reason that most pleases them. “It can’t be my URM status; it must be my essay … because that is what I wish it to be.” (I am referring to the OP’s Yale thread)</p>

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<p>A little narcissistic and clich</p>

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<p>Getting in to Yale doesn’t confer any amount of wisdom. Also, it’s easy to say “it doesn’t matter where you go” when you’ve chosen to attend Yale. Just like it’s easy for someone to say “there are more important things in life than money” when they’ve already got 50 million in the bank.</p>

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<p>^very,very well put. Still, though, the OP’s contribution is a breath of fresh air on these forums.</p>

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<p>

According to his previous posts, his SAT is 2160, his unweighted gpa 3.75-3.8, and he is an URM.</p>

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<p>Congrats OP, I have similar feelings as well (and will be attending Yale with you!)</p>