The college you attend will almost certainly have an effect on your life. The value of that effect is sometimes but certainly not always correlated with prestige. Attending a brand-name school may or may not be important depending on your interests and goals.</p>
<p>I’m not especially interested in the elite admissions rat race, so I can’t help you there. The only advice I can give is to 1) focus on the here and now and 2) make good decisions. </p>
<p>I sometimes think that I could have been a pretty good baseball player if I had persevered until after my first eye exam, when I discovered the wonders of corrected vision. But I didn’t. I could sit around and cry and moan about that, but it wouldn’t do any good at all. I’ve moved on. You need to do the same.</p>
<p>You need to think - right now - what can you do at this very minute? Consider every possible option. Then - rationally - decide what course of action will maximize your happiness in both the short- and long-term.</p>
<p>@pretty much everyone: So I should focus on the present instead of worrying about the future? Hm… I understand, but I feel like I should at least plan for the future - but maybe these thoughts about college just need to go to the back of my mind. I think I see. It’ll take a few days, some self-convincing, and perhaps a discussion with my college/guidance counselor, but I’ll give it a shot. Thanks.</p>
<p>You do need to plan for the future. Though less burdensome, focusing only on the present seems naive and unthoughtful. Plan enough definite moves to keep you focused. </p>
<p>Maybe the best way is discuss your problems with your counselor, because he or she is bound to know more. :)</p>
<p>@Unconfidential: Of course I’ll plan, but it’s not good to worry. I’d be focusing more on the present and making the best decisions now in order to make my future better - when planning, I’d always have the future in mind. And I think I’ll also talk to my GC and/or CC.</p>