While applying to many colleges, there is always a waiting period before you are either accepted or rejected from a school. There is always this “what-if” factor that many people ponder about when applying to a school. While applying to a college may be intimidating when waiting for an acceptance or rejection letter, just know that whether you are accepted, rejected, or cannot attend a school due to financial means, it is okay regardless!
Back when I was a high school senior applying for many colleges in my area, there were many schools that I have been accepted into. Because of these acceptances, I was very proud of it. I would often reward myself when getting accepted into a college such as scheduling a day to go out and do something that I typically would not do or even purchase something that I would not typically buy. I acknowledged that all my hard work I have put in had finally paid off.
Even though I have had many acceptances from colleges and universities, there had been moments in my college process where I did not get the opportunity to attend certain schools due to financial reasons. At first, I was upset about it. I was disappointed and always wondered why I was not given the opportunity to pay for the school like other people have. However, I had to remember that my situation was a redirection to something better. I strived to be optimistic about the situation and understand that maybe it was not meant for me to attend this school. It made me excited to look in other schools that may offer a better financial fit suitable for me that I may have never considered before.
To any first-generation students out there, if you have gotten accepted into a college, that’s wonderful! Celebrate your awesome achievement for getting accepted into a school. You have worked very hard to be accepted into a school that you have decided was a good option for you. However, if you are a student that have gotten rejected from a school or simply cannot attend the school due to financial means, do not worry. Do not take it personally. Do not beat yourself up about it. You have worked just as hard as everyone else and there will be better opportunity in the future. Consider applying to some schools you never thought you would ever apply to and talk with teachers and advisors about your rejection letter, tuition costs, etc. Try to highlight some important details or identify key reasons why you may have not gotten into the school. Furthermore, when making financial decisions about schools, compare different tuition costs and financial award letters given from each school that you have applied to and see which school offers the best financial fit for you. Remember, the college process is not always easy, but whether you are accepted, rejected, or simply cannot attend a school due to financial means, it is okay either way!