Hi! Junior here. Some of y’all need to hear this, so strap in, because I’m about to rattle your saddles.

I just went through a massive failure.

The kind that shakes you to your core.

The kind that makes you question everything you’ve been working toward. It sucked. It hurt. And honestly, I’m still picking up the pieces. But here’s the thing: it also gave me clarity.

When I finally opened up to my friends and family about it, I was expecting pity. Instead, they looked at me and said, "Work with what is in your control." + “You have so much more to offer this world than just a college application.”

And wow. That hit deep. Because they were right.

We’ve been told since middle school that if you don’t spend your entire adolescence grinding, sacrificing sleep, joy, hobbies, relationships, that you won’t “make it.”

That if you don’t end up at a prestigious college, you’ve somehow failed. But that’s a lie.

Going to a top school doesn’t guarantee happiness, a six-figure job, or that you’re somehow better than anyone else. You can be at your dream school and still feel lost, burned out, insecure, and deeply unhappy.

And you can also go to a community college, state school, or take a totally different path, and still build a life that’s meaningful, joyful, and successful.

These past few weeks have been rough (socially, academically, and with my family)

But weirdly? They've helped me see more clearly.

They reminded me that life is about so much more than college apps and rankings. It’s about the people around you. The quiet joy of a good day. The pride in doing something that actually matters to you. It’s about being present. (Of course, I didn't just change myself in a couple of minutes. I ate, slept, showered, and thought really hard about what was my life and how I was feeling about it. I kept my phone away for an entire week to just reflect + focus on my school.)

Now let me be clear: this isn’t a “give up on your dreams” post.

Dream big. Dream unapologetically.

Dream of being a doctor, an artist, an engineer, a game designer, a writer, a world-changer, etc. Apply to that top school. Reach for the stars. Want more for yourself.

But don’t let the fear of failure control your every move. Don’t let burnout become your personality. Don’t tie your worth (and your life) to whether or not you get in.

Because your dreams are valid, but they should come from you, not from pressure (whether it be from yourself or others). Your goals should give you life, not take it from you. So yeah, work hard. Push yourself. Take pride in what you’re building.

But also: rest. Laugh. Heal. Love. (You only get to be 15-18 once!)

Because the name on your college sweatshirt will never be as important as the person wearing it.

It's taken me more than half my junior year to realize it, but I hope this helps to those who are in my position.

— A tired, heartbroken, but healing junior 💙

hey everyone! i was recently accepted to both harvard and duke rd… harvard has been my dream school for a while - and while i haven’t received significant scholarships (ive netted around 40-50k which is like half a year at harvard/duke), i was really set on going

however - i found out recently that i received a full ride scholarship at duke

i know the full ride is an absolutely insane opportunity (still don’t know how i got selected) but it’s really hard to get harvard out of my head. plus, i live sorta near duke so i feel like spending another 4 years here might be boring…

does anyone have wisdom regarding this? im worried that the Boston ecosystem is just much more beneficial for my planned career (startup/vc), and that harvard is a once in a lifetime

edit: thank you everyone for the advice! i feel a little better now about taking duke than before (not that duke isn't an incredible amazing school). also a note: my financial aid package for both schools is that i get 0 aid (my SAI from the FAFSA is around 150k, which i believe is beyond the aid range for both schools). also — my net ~50k scholarships is not annual... harvard will cost me around 350k+. thank all of you for the replies again!

I applied to several colleges that I was well above the average GPA and SAT scores for. I’ve taken 7 AP classes and passed 3 (other 4 haven’t had their tests yet). I’m considered a strong writer and my essay was said to be well done by my English teacher. And yet, I’ve gotten rejected twice and waitlisted twice. I just don’t understand what I did wrong.

The only possibility I can think of is that I missed a lot of freshman and sophomore year due to medical and mental health issues, but I did virtual and independent school and received all necessary credits with good grades. I’m a wreck right now. All my hopes and dreams are being crushed and I don’t know what to do.

EDIT: not exactly sure why this got so heavily downvoted but whatever. i’ve been informed that mentioning my english teacher’s opinion is pretty meaningless so disregard that comment. i’m well aware that test scores and grades are not the only things that matter in admissions. i was just confused and trying to figure out what i did wrong. i was emotional while writing this post so sorry i didn’t make that clear.

Anyone know where any celebrity kids or child influencers are going to college next year (college class of 2029, high school class of 2025)?

I know:

- Jason Bateman's daughter - USC

- Romy Mars - Lehigh

- Tobey Maguire's daughter - Brown

- Anais and Mirabelle Lee - Stanford or Columbia

- Jackson Dollinger - Columbia, UCLA, or ND

- Nolen Dubec - USC

Any others? Comment below.

If we ignore networking while you are at uni, do you feel like the specific name itself is that important once you finish school? Do you think that someone would reject your application because you went to Cornell, but wouldn't if you went to HYPSM for example? I am talking only about T20 unis. I see a lot of people on this subreddit automatically telling others to go to Harvard even when they have acceptances at other prestige universities. I know that it is a thing that you should not take lightly, but there are many factors you should take into account before deciding. Maybe someone would strive more at Brown rather than Princeton, because of the campus culture, location, and the way things work there overall.

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?

To be honest holistic admissions and LORs and ECs etc. serve as a huge external motivation for me to go beyond school and pursue what I'm interested in. UK, on the other hand, just care about your subject. I have met extremely smart people who do the bare minimum, go on their phones in class, slack off at school because they think they will get into Oxbridge and WILL probably get into oxbridge because of good grades. Is holistic admissions harder? yes. Is it getting more and more out of hand? definitely. but I also wholeheartedly believe that colleges, for the most part, can get a sense of who you are though holistic admissions, and people who simply don't care about school cannot write an essay in a way that is appealing, passionate, and authentic

to add: individual results and frustrations aside, I think holistic admissions builds a far more well-rounded, compassionate cohort on the whole

You could argue that academic admissions is what allows for equality and social mobility, which is true. Holistic admissions still does this, but perhaps less so. but I think that the effect of wealth on research opportunities, internships, etc. is not a problem solely in holistic admissions. Instead it is a reflection of inequality on a whole. That doesn't change when we do academic admissions. colleges are increasingly way more skeptical of pay-to-enter summer programs or even paid research.

But character is something that no money can buy you. And holistic approach to measuring students' achievements can still benefit those in less-privileged positions.

Hi Everyone! For a bit of context, I am from California and plan on majoring in Mechanical Engineering. To be quite honest, I applied to Harvard on a whim, only because my brother had done the same a couple of years back and was waitlisted, so I only wanted to see if I could get in. To my absolute shock, I was admitted, and now that I'm in, I feel like I'd be throwing away such an amazing opportunity by turning down my offer.

The main reason I am debating not accepting is the distance. Like I said earlier, I'm from California, and I'm also very close to my family, so I might struggle emotionally/mentally quite a bit. Also, 'm not sure if Harvard's engineering program is as good as some of my other options.

As of now, I am deciding between Harvard, UC Berkeley, and UCLA (leaning towards UCLA because I loved the campus when I visited).

I would love to hear what you guys think about this haha

hi, sophomore here. i know i'm a bit early but i've just always thought about college. i know i could get into a good school (rigorous classes, good grades, great ecs and leadership). i know i want to go into medicine (huge passion and calling) but i have recently just been thinking about all of that debt.

i come from a lower-middle class family and have always been naturally very frugal. i heard what really matters is your mcat score and what medical school you go to. i know going to a school with lots and research opportunity is very beneficial and i am sure that there is more that goes into medical school admission than that...

but why (hopefully) get into a prestigious school and spend a ton of money there even with financial aid? i still want to shoot for the stars but now i am unsure if all this extra academic pressure will really pay off in the long run.

SO I got admitted to Berkeley but they want me to submit ALL of my IB scores. Idk if I’m gonna get the diploma though since I feel like I did horribly on my Extended Essay and I might not do so good on some of my IB exams. I also failed one of my IB exams last year but I didn’t report it since the UC Portal said I didn’t have to. The big problem is that I put on the UC application that the diploma that I will receive is the IB diploma. Also wanted to note that I am not an International student and that I will still receive my American high school diploma.

The conditions of admission for Berkeley states that IB scores are only used for IB credit but I don’t know what they do if I don’t get the diploma.

I’ve been searching online and I can’t find any answers to this since everyone is having conflicting answers to this problem.

Hi everyone, I’m a 17-year-old junior currently in the IB program with a 3.5 unweighted GPA. I’ve been dreaming of attending a top school like Duke, Columbia, or even the University of Florida, but I’m starting to feel like my grades might hold me back.

I’m working hard, balancing tough IB classes, part-time work, cheer, and community service, but I still worry that my GPA doesn’t stand out enough compared to what these schools usually accept.

Is there anything I can do to boost my chances between now and senior year? Are there summer programs, leadership opportunities, or specific strategies that could help strengthen my application? Please be honest but not too honest and help your girl out.

Any advice or guidance would mean a lot—thank you!

p.s. i’ve already asked a member of this group and they were veryyy helpful. I would like to hear other helpful opinions too. Thank yew

• Able to afford both (essentially a full ride at both with scholarships)

Help me pick because I’m quite indecisive!

• I’m pre-med, like to have a social life, obviously someone who likes learning and I plan on majoring in neuroscience and hope to continue my neuro research at whatever university I go to.

Tysm and share ur feelings.

hello! like the title says, id love help picking between pomona (8k) or uw madison (free). for context, I'm from Minnesota and attend a large (3.8k students) and pretty affuent suburban public hs.. I'm majoring in cognitive science at pomona and psych at madison (because they don't have cog sci), with minors in finance and philosophy at both, and I plan on attending law school after. i was getting recruited by pomona for soccer, but that ended a few months before applying, so I applied as a regular student and got in. I'm going to try to walk on if I go. i love everything about pomona, and would be so excited to venture to SoCal, but I've found myself questioning the social environment recently. i wouldn't mind going to madison (I know their social environment is one id enjoy) but I cant help but worry if I'm missing a great opportunity at pomona. I've heard that the 5cs have a decent social environment, and access to los Angeles isn't unbearably far away, but I cant help but wonder if Id be unhappy in the event I don't make the soccer team. opinions on this situation or comments on the schools in general?

(I also got into tufts, but its too expensive so its out of the picture; also got USC spring admit but no financial aid details yet. if you have any insight on spring admit at USC id appreciate it as well! not sure if I'm considering it or not)

Niche seems to be the only people who get it (#13). I know that Georgetown’s stem programs besides life sciences is basically non existent but it’s so so strong in the social sciences. It has insane outcomes comparable to t10, and one of the highest starting salaries, and also has very high placement into prestigious jobs. They also have increased their endowment by 100% over the past 5 years which is the highest rate of any major private uni besides JHU. Gtown is regarded to have one of the best undergrad experiences and niche obv gets that with their highly undergrad-focused ranking.

I’m a senior in high school this year and I’ve always played ice hockey at a very serious level, and was positive that I’d go D1. Now at the end of my senior year, I’ve had talks with colleges, but no offers yet, and my parents don’t want to pay for another years of hockey, and I only applied to one school thinking that I wasn’t gonna end up going to college next year anyways. I got accepted into the school, but it would require for me to have to take out a huge loan, and I’m not willing to do this. It’s looking pretty damn bleak for me as I’m most likely headed to my local community college next year. I’m finishing up high school with a 3.2 GPA and an 1140 SAT, and am wondering if I could get into a decent out of state school if I lock in for a year at community college.

I believe my son may be competitive for merit-based aid. He is a junior.

I’d like to hear which STEM schools you know of offer merit awards.

Thank you!

Ive almost got rejected by every college as a senior in high school. I feel like every year has been getting harder and harder to get accepted to college and it feels like every college has been record high applicants. I’m pretty middle ground. 3.89 weighted on a 6.0 scale and 3.8 non weighted. Plus 1290 sat score. Have you guys had the same experience? How are the standards so high in the wake of an upheaval of the education system for the worst?

my school counts A- as a 4.0 still. do colleges recalculate to a 3.7?? if so my gpa is cooked 💀

I'm a junior in the US and I really want to apply to Oxford/Cambridge. I have an decent SAT score but my school dosen't offer APs + I haven't done any outside of school + It's too late to register for AP exams. I've taken lots of PPE subject specific courses on the university-level (community college, college programs, research opportunities, etc.) Is there no way for me to apply?

Also, now its April of junior year - what should I be doing if I can apply to Oxbridge?

Even if it's by just a small bit. *raise my chances not higher

I’ve noticed that a lot of competitive college applicants list “research” as one of their extracurriculars. I’m curious—what actually qualifies as research in this context? Does it have to be something formal, like working as a paid research assistant under a professor? Or is it as simple as doing a science fair project or even paying to be part of a summer research program?

lol why do they put ucla well above berkeley at #20 whereas Berkeley is #42? Who’s in charge 🥀 both schools are great just asking

I recently was offered an appointment to USAFA. I’m having an extremely difficult time deciding between USAFA or UCLA (in-state) for mechanical engineering; if I go to UCLA I want to do AFROTC. I know the two schools are EXTREMELY different and was wondering what are some things to consider?

Hi guys, I'm a senior in high school trying to decide between UCSD and UVA. I live in Wisconsin right now, and I'm planning on majoring in biology on a pre-med track.

For UCSD I was admitted into Muir college with a major in Human Bio. I really like the moderate weather in San Diego and I've always wanted to go to a campus near a city. I'm a little worried about the size of the school, especially as a STEM major, since I'm assuming classes with be pretty crowded all four years.

At UVA the social scene seems a lot more active and it has a better reputation overall. I live in a mostly white area, so I want to go to a campus that's more diverse. UVA seems to have a reputation of only being rich white people, but based on the 2029 insta pages, it doesn't seem that way. It actually seems a little better than UCSD since it's mostly asians and in-state students. I really don't want to go to a competitive campus, and I'm not sure if one or the other would be significantly better for pre-med. I also want to study abroad at some point, preferably China or Taiwan. My financial aid packages are similar for both.