Facing Reality: Which Colleges to Logically Apply to

By: Shaquille Fontenot

Let’s be real, if you have straight D’s, have never been involved in any activities or sports, and you are a former stoner, you’re not gonna get into Columbia University in NY, unless you live on the Upper East Side and your dad is the Dean of Admissions. This article is about which colleges to logically apply to, so you don’t waste time and those rejection letters won’t hurt your feelings too much.

It takes a while to fill out college applications, financial aid forms, and scholarship applications. Why waste time on a college you don’t want to go to?

Our parents want us to do the best that we can. They want us to get into Ivy League schools or their Alma Mater, but their choices may not always be what we want.

1. Apply to schools that offer courses you’re interested in, are recognized nationally and internationally for their professors and majors; Apply to schools that are in your budget (we’re in a recession you know), so you won’t be slapped in the face with debt when you graduate.

2. Know your achievements and know the requirements for admittance to the school or schools you want to attend. Colleges are beginning to notice that students are more than their test scores and are focusing on individuals and their uniqueness. Because of this, being different is a plus, being yourself is even better.

Don’t discount your achievements. If you think you deserve to get into a school, apply to that school and fight for yourself to be there.
A friend of mine, Zack Jones, was just admitted to Harvard University. He got a rejection letter. How did he do this? He sat in the office for 6 hours just to see the dean. He argued his case about how he worked hard all of his academic life to get where he was now. He argued that there was no way he was leaving without being on the freshman list for fall of 2009. He got his request. The moral of that little story is to fight for what you think you should have. You don’t have to go all commando like Zack did, but you don’t have to give up either.

3. Know the distance you want to travel. If you have a close knit family and you know your mom will cry every major and non-major holiday because she won’t see you; because she lives in Florida and you’re going to school in Canada... haha and you can get the same education at the University of Florida, which college do you logically apply to? :)

4. Know the school's credentials- Don’t apply to a “buy a degree,” school (not that there is anything wrong with that...). Do your research and don’t be fooled by outward appearances. If it’s somewhere you’re genuinely interested in going to, check it out before you apply. Check out the department you’re interested in to assure the best education available.

5. Don’t apply early decision if you don’t want to go to that school. Many early admittance policies are binding, meaning if you apply early and are accepted, you have to go there. You don’t want to be stuck at a place where you won’t be happy.

6. Don’t go to a school just because your high school sweetheart goes there. You need to know what you’re going to do to better yourself and your future. If you guys are meant to be together, you will be...after you get your degree. The school that’s right for them may not be the school that’s right for you.

7. Party schools, party schools. The truth is, every school is a party school. Your college experience is what you make it.

The bottom line is that you should logically apply to a school that fits your needs. Whether it be financial needs, academic needs, or location and the opportunities may arise as result of your choice, make sure your decision is for you and your future.

Also keep in mind that financial needs should never stop you from going to the school of your dreams. There are countless opportunities out there that you should take advantage of. Logically apply to a college or university that can help you achieve your dreams.