|
|
|
|
|
Q.Dear Ally, I am in my senior year of high school and getting ready to apply for college. Everyone around me is all freaked out about SATs, GPA’s, and applications right now, it’s a really stressful environment. My group at school consists of lots of beautiful, athletic and intelligent girls, so it’s hard to not compare myself to them. I am not as smart as the rest of my Ivy League friends, and feel a little nervous about the arrival of college acceptance (or denial) letters. I have never done that well in school and am dreading four more years at a University. Everyone is so excited about college and I don’t want to be the loser friend who just starts working immediately after high school. How can I stop feeling so inadequate around my near-perfect friends, and what should I do about this whole college issue?
Sincerely,
Wendy
A.Dear Wendy,
There is so much pressure these days to pursue a higher education and go to college in order to secure a job in this competitive world.
The truth is, you have to find your niche regardless of whether you go to college or not. Some dream jobs don’t require a bachelor’s degree. So figure out where your passions lie. If you love interior design and want to go to a trade school, then pursue it! Or if you love children and want to work in a pre-school or day camp after graduation, then go for that!
Your friends will respect you more for recognizing your strengths and interests rather than trying to conform to the college-bound mold. However, do not completely disregard college. Just because school in the past has been discouraging does not mean college will be.
In college, your classes will be more specified and may even interest you. You may be surprised at what you can achieve at a University that specializes in your preferred major. College can be a good opportunity to figure out what you want to do for the rest of your life.Consider going to Junior college to test out some courses that appeal to you.
Senior year can be very competitive. But once everyone has graduated no one cares what score you got on the SAT or who graduated with the higher GPA. The most important thing is that you take the right step towards finding your forte. Best of luck Wendy!
Sincerely,
Ally |
