After a few highly anticipated and anxiety-ridden months of awaiting for college decisions, the period where high school seniors receive their admission, waitlist, or rejection letters has arrived. Fountain Valley High School graduates of the class of 2021 reflect on their experience during the process and offer advice to current seniors.
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“Personally, I feel like it’s not a big deal not making to your dream college. I know many people who made into the college they wanted, but then ended up not enjoying it for many reasons. But for those who are considered going into “big name” college, but couldn’t get in, I suggest to go through community college and transfer instead of other schools. Community college is also a way for you to find what you truly like to do so that you won’t waste time later time. For those who made to the colleges they wanted, just be careful when committing. Sometimes it’s reasonable to commit to that top school, but slow down and evaluate all factors. Even try to tour the school before committing to get a feel of “the vibe.” And for those gambling on waitlists, remember to have backup plans too. At the end, college is one way for you to get to whatever goals you have faster but that doesn’t mean you cannot achieve it by not attending “the” college,” University of California, Berkeley first-year Minh Phan said.
“Congratulations! You’ve submitted all your applications, which is the most difficult thing to do in this “planning out the next years of your life” process. (I try to stay away from saying “college process” because I believe it’s important to acknowledge the other routes people may follow out of high school.) Now, you’re probably doing the second most difficult thing: waiting. You may be thrilled with all your options, anxious about hearing back from the waitlist, or disappointed from a few rejections. Maybe all of the above. However, I want to remind you that this process doesn’t define you. There’s no way admissions officers can fully grasp your intelligence or authenticity through an unnecessarily long digital survey. The school name is not a determining factor of your success. If there’s anything I wish you will take away from my personal statement, it’s that your commitment and perseverance for knowledge is what will guide you in achieving your dreams.
The third most difficult decision during this process: selecting the right school for you. I advise you to make a pros and cons list of all the potential schools or institutions you will be attending. This will help you choose the most ideal school, while remaining rational. For example, you might have the opportunity to attend one of the most prestigious institutions while bearing copious loads of student loans, or you could enroll at a decently well-known school and not have to worry about financial obligations. Another situation you should consider is the school’s specialization for your major and concentration. Research which schools would open up the most meaningful doors for you and your career. In the end, you’d probably want to attend a school that allows you to grow not only as an academic, but also as an individual. You owe it to yourself.
Don’t worry about the social aspects when choosing a campus. You’re a resilient person who has something unique to offer at any school. This next stage in your life is when you’re most free to explore your identity. You’ll surely meet like-minded individuals at any institution. Just remember to stay motivated, pursue your OWN idea of happiness, and love yourself,” California State University, Fullerton first-year Tiffany Vo said.
“If you are struggling to decide what college to go to, my best advice is not to stress too much. Waitlists and rejections don’t have to be the end of the world. Community college is always a good option because you get to stay close to home (which is a good thing, trust me) and save a lot of money. While you shouldn’t despair at rejection, you should celebrate the success of acceptance, and when it comes to having to decide between colleges that accepted you, try to think what college will serve you the best. This includes overall cost, education quality, and social climate. Don’t go somewhere just because your friends are going there but instead base your decision on the overall experience you will get out of your college years. I would also ask for advice from parents, teachers, and other people who have already been through this process, since it helps to get different perspectives. Best of luck with your endeavors,” Concordia University Irvine first-year Laura Stoi said.
“Hello, class of 2022! I’m sure you’re all very nervous about college decisions because with college comes an entirely new chapter of your life! Whether you’re staying close to home or moving to another country, college is where you’ll make some of the best memories of your life. Since I’m only in my first year, I can remember what it was like to be in your shoes, anxiously waiting on decisions and trying to figure out where you’ll end up. My advice to you is to go with what you think will make you the happiest. A lot of students want to go to the most prestigious or most “fun” school, but I want you to pick the school that you think best suits your own personality or your own career aspirations. Don’t pick a school because you think it will impress other people (parents, friends, etc.) Personally, I chose UC Davis over other schools like UCI and UCSB for a multitude of reasons. UC Davis is one of the few schools with my dream major, Animal Science, and when I visited the campus, I immediately fell in love with the nature and kind atmosphere. I guess you could say I “vibed” with Davis. Basically what I’m trying to say is that when picking a school, pick the school that fits your needs and desires best. If you’re mainly concerned about the cost of school, you don’t need to pick an expensive school just because it’s “better.” Good luck and congratulations on finishing high school!! #B4L,” University of California, Davis first-year Diana Truong said.
“After experiencing both waitlists and rejections from some of my top choices and even my dream school, I would have to say that my biggest advice to seniors is: to keep an open mind. Not only through the remainder of your college decision process, but also through the transition to your new school. It’s tough deciding to go to a school that maybe wasn’t your top choice, but I guarantee that if you keep an open mind/positive attitude about your situation, you’ll find that there is a multitude of things to like about every school. After all, you applied for a reason. Personally, I had no intention of going to UCI at the start of my application process. Yet, here I am! Although the first couple months may have been difficult to adjust to, I keep an open mind through and through and now I love my school and wouldn’t have it any other way!! When all is said and done, you’ll end up exactly where you’re meant to end up,” University of California, Irvine first-year Ava Azcona said.
“First off, congratulations on completing your applications and receiving your decisions. The most important thing I learned through navigating my college decisions is to do what is best for yourself. Regardless of what your peers are doing, you should consider what school can give you the best opportunities to thrive in the future, both academically and financially. Take into account your career pathway and if you’re considering graduate school too. The last thing you want to worry about is hundreds of thousands of dollars in student loans when you graduate. If you were waitlisted at one of your top choices, my advice would be to join the waitlist and write a letter of continued interest. You never know what will happen so take a chance. It’s a big deal to be waitlisted and you should celebrate your accomplishments. If you were rejected or choose to reject your acceptances: although these decisions are tough and things may have not gone the way you wanted, just keep in mind that everything will work itself out. You will be right where you need to be regardless of what college you attend. I strongly encourage anyone who is still struggling to decide where to go or what to major in to consider community college. It’s an amazing opportunity to save money and you can always transfer after completing your general education! Again, congratulations on your achievements and your upcoming graduation,” Orange Coast College first-year Mylinh Lam said.
