Options If You Do Not Make It to the College of Your Choice

Sometimes you may not get admission in the university or college of your choice. It doesn’t mean that you lose all hope and become disillusioned. There are a few things that can aid you in your efforts to get college education. I am going to discuss a few things here which may help you out.

There was a time when our counselors and parents would tell us to keep a “safety school” in mind. Nowadays it hardly means anything. In the past, several state schools were ignored in spite of their excellence but the economic slump is making in-state tuitions especially attractive.  States with strong university systems like New York, Texas, California, and Florida are on the forefront—cost is motivating students to gravitate towards public universities. So, if you have opted for colleges and universities outside your state you can look for in-state colleges as your answer.

Now, another thing to note is that if a university is unable to offer you a seat then it will put your mane on the waiting list. There are chances that you may get accepted later on. NACAC statistics show that the percentage of students admitted off the wait list differs every year. 35%of those who stayed on the list were provided spots in 2005, 29% in 2006, and 30% in 2007. With this year's numbers not until now complete, many schools, including Harvard have informed accepting more wait-list admissions. FSU, for example, offered admittance to 418, out of which 269 accepted. Last year, FSU did not take any wait-list admissions. So, you can call the school directly to find out the wait-list range, and your rank (if possible), and the number of students accepted that way during the previous years.

I have noticed several students and parents treating wait-list letters as soft rebuffs and hastily settle on on another school. I would advise on opting to wait it out, which may bolster your chances of acceptance. However, be cautious and don't go overboard. 

Also, remember that an approval in hand is worth more than several wait-list spots. Focus on the school that's keen to take you instead of obsessing over a wait-list result. Most of the two-year or community colleges in USA normally provide open enrollment; as long as you meet their customary criteria, you can register. After one or more semesters, you may apply for a transfer to a four-year college to complete your bachelor's degree. If you are cost-conscious then it is good for you. Tuition averages to $2,361, as compared to $6,185 for four-year public colleges and universities. Also, several community colleges have transfer agreements with many four-year colleges, arrangements that surfaced to ensure that transfer credits would be accepted.

Keep in mind that the college scenario is quite different from the k-12 schooling and you will have to work very hard. If you are serious about your college dreams then be prepared to be challenged and progress academically.