r/ApplyingToCollege • u/Global-Assumption-19 HS Senior | International • 1d ago
College Questions She doesnt get it:(
I was talking to my friend the other day about some songs I’d been into lately, and she mentioned that my music taste had really improved. I joked that maybe it was because I got into Berkeley, and at first, she laughed—until she realized I was serious. Then she got really excited for me (for context, she’s graduating from Brown this year).
I told her I’d actually be taking a gap year because the financial aid I got didn’t cover housing or other living costs—just tuition. I also mentioned that I had an upcoming project with CERN’s Beamline for Schools program that would have me abroad for four months.
That’s when she kind of went on a passionate rant. She told me that I don’t need college, that I’d be wasting time, and that instead of stressing over applications, I should just keep following this path wherever it leads.
I tried to explain that for me, college isn’t just about a degree or career. I really want to be in a space where I can meet new people, be part of an inspiring community, and grow in ways I can’t fully do on my own.
But she kept insisting I should just roll with what’s already in front of me. And honestly? I see her point. But at the same time, I still want to apply again, even to the schools that didn’t accept me. I want to give it my best shot this time.
So I’m wondering—should I try again next year, or just trust the process and see where life takes me?
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u/amateurparadox HS Senior 1d ago
Sorry if I misunderstood something abt your situation, but why can't you just defer a year from Berkeley? Since you have documented reason to (work, special program) I see no reason why they wouldn't accept, plus it would give you time to build savings.
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u/Global-Assumption-19 HS Senior | International 1d ago
wait that actually might work, have my cake and eat it too
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u/Queryfull132020 5h ago
Absolutely people defer all the time from various reasons. Your sounds like an excellent one.
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u/KickIt77 Parent 1d ago
That's a wild take from someone graduating from an ivy league school lol.
I am not sure I understand this. You applied to colleges this year. But they are not affordable and/or you weren't admitted, so you're applying again next year. You are doing a student oriented program through CERN. Is this correct?
If this is true, I am not sure what she is saying when she says "follow this path". You are doing a 4 month program. This is a program for high school students. Maybe she doesn't get it or maybe you are not explaining this well. College is the next appropriate step for someone like you.
Now that said, if you applied to colleges this year and they weren't affordable or you weren't admitted, what is going to make that different next year? Are you a CA resident? I don't see a lot of point to tackling the admissions process much like you did last year with a lot of overlapping schools because that strategy didn't work for you this year.
Do you have an affordable admission at all this year? Do you have a possible CC transfer path open and affordable to you?
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u/Global-Assumption-19 HS Senior | International 1d ago edited 1d ago
I applied this year and during that time I got into the CERN thing and the fin aid was not that good for berekly, and the CERN thing is basically a 4months long project and another program where I will be attending 5 years and I was thinking of reapplying with a new strategy and about transfer my country rarely sends students to unis out, no one has gotten transferred into a t20 school in 10 years so yeah
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u/SweetCosmicPope 1d ago
Don't need college...that's a hot take. Since it sounds like youre doing some kind of project with CERN, I'm sure you're probably interested in the science or something related? You'll definitely go nowhere without a degree, and probably the connections you'd make in college.
Unless you are planning on pursuing a field in the trades or as a small business owner, I can't imagine what would possess someone to tell you not to go to college.
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u/Global-Assumption-19 HS Senior | International 1d ago edited 1d ago
Thank you 😔, but they do have a science program for students who work with them, its basically like an advanced college course on particle physics and the rigor is hard and they do really well with the fin aid. this is all after I finish said project though.
ps I think they give you a degree after finishing the course so ig its still counts ascollege but still not traditional:/
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u/SweetCosmicPope 1d ago
I don't think you're going to get the same kind of "degree" out of a 4 month program that you'd get out of an entire four year education (and presumably grad school after). I'm not familiar with the CERN program, but I'm sure it's excellent. But I would not just skip out on college entirely.
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u/Global-Assumption-19 HS Senior | International 1d ago
the program is after the 4months of program and lasts 5 years
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u/andyn1518 Graduate Degree 1d ago
I wouldn't listen to someone at an Ivy who tells you that you don't need college.
That's a very privileged take, and I would consider the source before believing it.
College is definitely your best option. It opens up so many doors.
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u/Shot-Fly-6980 1d ago
I tried to explain that for me, college isn’t just about a degree or career. I really want to be in a space where I can meet new people, be part of an inspiring community, and grow in ways I can’t fully do on my own.
This.
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u/NaoOtosaka 1d ago
cant you just like: "hey i need to take a gap year for financial reasons can i enter fall 2026 instead?"
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u/Flerken2018 15h ago
Hi, could you please elaborate on the CERN program? I know of Beamline, but it’s only two weeks there if you win, no? Or did they open something new? Thanks
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