<p>Hey CC it's approaching November 1 again, priority/ reach applications are coming to a close and everyone is worried about their chances of getting in to __________.
I have been here since the beginning of high school. I don't post much in the forums, but I come to the boards to ask about those who didn't make it. What about those who couldn't go? There are many reasons not to start college/ university, but what happened to those of you who settled or didn't go at all?</p>
<p>Here is my story; I was a terrible high school student, but gifted on paper. I did nothing in class but did decent on tests. I scraped by doing the minimum and did not see fit to try until it was too late. Standardized tests are easy, but I did better than most of my school. I applied to several colleges but didn't go to any, not even a community college.
I'm now a wage worker making $10 an hour for a company I don't care for. I live alone, and in part of that, I have many bills to pay. I survive hardly making "ends-meat," but I'm satisfied with making my own choice. My girlfriend was valedictorian of my school and now goes to school far away. I hardly see her and know where we are going. I don't have friends or speak to family anymore neither. Anyone else who had "potential" in a similar boat?
If not, I applaud you, if you're still in high school, you're probably on the right track so I need not say anything.
Regards, Mike</p>
<p>You HS grades must have been truly abysmal if you were not admitted even at your local community college. All the ones that I am familiar with will admit anyone with a HS diploma or GED. If you want an education, go back to that community college, find out why you were rejected, and then follow whatever steps are required to gain admission.</p>
<p>My DS is away at college right now, but not all his hs friends were that lucky. A few are living at home while working, and a few are living together to reduce the costs. Some are on waitlists for apprenticeships for plumber, pipefitters and electricians. </p>
<p>You sound like you are young enough to still have options and old enough to step up and make decisions for yourself. Have you considered military service, or going to school part time? Have you considered reapplying to schools? </p>
<p>I am unsure of what you want to know. One year of bad outcomes does not resign you to a life of doom and gloom.</p>
<p>If you had a scholarship, I assume you’re telling us that you weren’t ‘ready’ for college. You seem at peace with your decisions.</p>
<p>The important thing is that very few things in life are irreversable. If at some later point, you are ready, I’m sure you will find a college, either full time or part time. If you’re never ready, that’s ok too. Each of us is different.</p>
<p>An important thing – people don’t go to college for many reasons. One should never feel that someone you meet is inferior intellectually because they didn’t go to college or because they went to a lesser reputed college than you might have. To do so can be a major mistake.</p>