<p>I graduated high school in 1976. I knew I was going to college, but I didn’t stress over it at all. I did horribly on the SATs…but only took it once. I think there were maybe 2 aps at my school (all math or science). We had what was called an AE curriculum, in which I took part. But, the grades weren’t weighted. I was a B+ student.</p>
<p>I applied to ONE school. A small private school several hours away. I received half scholarship. (I think it cost about $8000 a year to go there back then!). After a year and a half I couldn’t stand the thought of my dad paying all that money and transferred to my local state school (where I graduated…and met my husband!) I did go to grad school.</p>
<p>The thing is, I didn’t give one thought to prestige or rankings. I would have applied to UCLA (I’m a Californian!), but thought it was too big and it didn’t have my major. I just wanted to go to college and learn a few things about life and get a degree.</p>
<p>I think it’s harder for the high achieving kids today. My 3 were (are) all different. My oldest S was smart, but an under-achiever. He was totally happy to go to UCSC and earn a degree. He’s now working in Ecuador before he goes to grad school. My middle D had to work hard for every A and B. But she’s an excellent student (studies hard, good work ethic). After going to a Cal State she moved back home, is finishing up her AA and will transfer to the local Cal State and is COMPLETELY HAPPY.</p>
<p>My youngest wanted to go to UCLA from the time he was born. He worked hard. Did all the things he thought he was supposed to do. ECs, etc. He did realize that there were other schools that he would be happy to attend and applied for those. WEll, he didn’t get into UCLA or Cal Poly SLO for engineering…although everything looked like he would. The pressure has been incredible for him. Although he is happy about going to UC Irvine, he is still wondering what he should have done differently while at high school to get into those other schools. I know it’s up to my husband and me to reassure him that he’s a great kid and has wonderful opportunities for life! I just wish there wasn’t so much pressure at such a young age!</p>
<p>It’s a lot tougher now.</p>