I am a fairly intelligent person. I have been on the Principal's list (95+ GPA) since the 6th grade and am graduating 6th out of a class of over 600 students. I take all Honors, Advanced Placement, and College level courses.
Because of my academic accomplishments, many people think I am going to a prestigious college. I am not. Every time I tell someone where I am going, they respond: "Really? There? Why?" Honestly this is just pissing me off. It upsets me.
Part of the reason why I'm not going to a better school is my fault. It is plain and simple: I should have applied to more schools. Doing so would have increased my chances of receiving a scholarship, making a more prestigious college affordable. But honestly, I had no idea what I was doing when I was applying to colleges. My sister goes to community college, my dad never went to college, my mom went to college for two years, my cousin dropped out of high school, etc. I really had no one to assist me and give me advice about applying to colleges. Yeah, I have a guidance counselor at school and all, but she wasn't much help.
Part of the reason I'm not going to a better school is because I just can't afford it. I am paying for college with my own money. I have a part time job and put every paycheck into the bank, but it is no where near enough. I filled out the FAFSA, but that didn't exactly help much. The FAFSA is based largely on my parents' income and they make too much money for me to be considered for most aid. I, personally, think this in incredibly unfair. My parents are not paying for my college education, but the amount of aid I am eligible to receive is based on their income. That just doesn't seem right to me.
I was accepted to the University of Delaware. I got into the honors program. I even received a $6,000 scholarship. But after the numbers were punched, including the loans I was given, there was no way I would ever be able to afford it. So now I'm left going to a college in my home state. Yes, it is cheaper, but it is still going to be a struggle. I didn't receive any scholarships from this school. I still have to take out loans. Right now, I have enough money in my bank account to pay for the first year, but doing so will leave very little in my bank account. I honestly do not know how I am going to pay for college next year. I plan to get a part time job near the college, but I know that is not going to be enough.
So why am I going there? Because I can't afford anywhere else.
Comments (7)
People don't think, it's not like going to a lesser school makes you a lesser person, or makes you less smart. It is how you take your learnings and how you act with them
at least you're going to college. it doesnt always matter which college you go to, what matters more is that you're an intelligent person and can learn well wherever you go. good luck!
I was in the top ten, graduated with a 4.8 GPA, and I didn't apply to any 'ivy league' schools at all. Why? Because I didn't want to. It's not like going to some prestigious college makes you 'better' anyone. It'll all be okay. (:
There are also tons of scholarships out there. TONS. (:
@carpe_diem99 - So true :)
@irreplaceablex - ...and I feel like I've applied to them all.
Hope u find a way to deal with the money issue.
I know it's hard, but you're doing something most people your age wouldn't dream of. You're strong and I can see that you got determination. That itself will pull you through. You'll find a way somehow.
Good luck.
Six out of 600?! Wow...
I'm sure I'm no where near that, but WOW.