NationStates Jolt Archive

I just found out that out of the many colleges that I applied, quite a few top ones (US ranking wise) rejected me. :(

Was just curious if anyone else is having a melancholy/intense week with college stuff. :confused:

Yes-- I gotta make my decision by tomorrow. It's very difficult...

I just found out that out of the many colleges that I applied, quite a few top ones (US ranking wise) rejected me. :(

Was just curious if anyone else is having a melancholy/intense week with college stuff. :confused:

That's too bad. Where did you apply?

Well, at the risk of being internet stalked. (I seriously doubt it, but let's be safe) Let's just say that I didn't get in Wash u, Northwestern, Rice, and Stanford. =\

Not to that point in my life yet, but my sister is got in to NYU's general studies program. She got turned down for Internatinal relations, but they're still paying for all but 16 grand.

I'm already athletically committed to Sacred Heart (for fencing), but I did get in to Lafayette (got the letter today) and Rutgers.

I'll find out about UPenn on Monday, which I want to know just for kicks. I won't go there (I could never fence and I don't like the urban campus that much). I also should hear back from Boston College, who deferred my early action application (I'm not going there because their coach ignored me).

So, while people worry and fuss, I sit back and realize I've been done since signing day.

I graduate BU in just about 50 days :)

Well, at the risk of being internet stalked. (I seriously doubt it, but let's be safe) Let's just say that I didn't get in Wash u, Northwestern, Rice, and Stanford. =\

*Crosses off those colleges on Internet stalking list.* Hmm, yes. Tell me more.

If it's any condolance (however it's spelled), all of those are in the strata where many admission decisions are arbitrary.

It's a helluva lot easier to be a walk-on student. All you have to do is take a placement test, and you don't have to worry about dorms (though one really should find a friend to bunk with somewhere near the university).

That's how I'm going about it, though my plan is to go as cheaply as possible and still get the same diploma when it's all said and done. First, I'll finish my basics at the community college (super-cheap), transfer those credits to the University of Houston for a semester or two (pretty cheap), and then transfer my last year or two over to the University of Minnesota Twin Cities (damn cheap, and a great school to boot). I'd rather finish in Massachusetts, but it's beyond too expensive, unless I take up residency.

Theoretically, I could get my basics out of the way at UH, but it'd be the same basic courses as the community college here, and it'd be a few thousand dollars extra... Not to mention a much longer commute from my house. All in all, I think I've got a pretty good plan here. It's cheap, I'll be getting a good education, I'll be staying with my friends longer, and I'll see more of this country than I've ever seen (road trips through the Midwest, anyone?).

Well, at the risk of being internet stalked. (I seriously doubt it, but let's be safe) Let's just say that I didn't get in Wash u, Northwestern, Rice, and Stanford. =\

Rice is one hell of a school. Great cirriculum, great faculty, nice campus, and it's in the best part of Houston. But it's way too fucking expensive.

It's a helluva lot easier to be a walk-on student. All you have to do is take a placement test, and you don't have to worry about dorms (though one really should find a friend to bunk with somewhere near the university).

That's how I'm going about it, though my plan is to go as cheaply as possible and still get the same diploma when it's all said and done. First, I'll finish my basics at the community college (super-cheap), transfer those credits to the University of Houston for a semester or two (pretty cheap), and then transfer my last year or two over to the University of Minnesota Twin Cities (damn cheap, and a great school to boot). I'd rather finish in Massachusetts, but it's beyond too expensive, unless I take up residency.

Theoretically, I could get my basics out of the way at UH, but it'd be the same basic courses as the community college here, and it'd be a few thousand dollars extra... Not to mention a much longer commute from my house. All in all, I think I've got a pretty good plan here. It's cheap, I'll be getting a good education, I'll be staying with my friends longer, and I'll see more of this country than I've ever seen (road trips through the Midwest, anyone?).

Not sure I'm taking the "walk on" student thing right...you mean commuter?

I fully understand trying to save money, especially with college loans being what they are right now, but I found the "college" experience to be just as much living on campus in the dorms and apartments as it was the classes.

Be wary with your plan tho...double check that the credits will transfer, and know exactly what the minimum grade for transfer is. It can cause quite the headache.

Where in MA were you looking? I might be able to give you a tip or two to make it work

I'm already athletically committed to Sacred Heart (for fencing), but I did get in to Lafayette (got the letter today) and Rutgers.

I'll find out about UPenn on Monday, which I want to know just for kicks. I won't go there (I could never fence and I don't like the urban campus that much). I also should hear back from Boston College, who deferred my early action application (I'm not going there because their coach ignored me).

So, while people worry and fuss, I sit back and realize I've been done since signing day.

Rice is one hell of a school. Great cirriculum, great faculty, nice campus, and it's in the best part of Houston. But it's way too fucking expensive.

But apparently Rice gives a lot of financial aid if you get accepted. Well, if is the key word.

@Potarius: So going to a high ranked college for undergrad isn't all that important as people make it to seem?

Not sure I'm taking the "walk on" student thing right...you mean commuter?

I fully understand trying to save money, especially with college loans being what they are right now, but I found the "college" experience to be just as much living on campus in the dorms and apartments as it was the classes.

Be wary with your plan tho...double check that the credits will transfer, and know exactly what the minimum grade for transfer is. It can cause quite the headache.

Where in MA were you looking? I might be able to give you a tip or two to make it work

"Walk-on" being somebody who doesn't go through the application/recruiting process. I've already talked with several registrars and it seems to be quite common... The only real problem being that you have to take a placement test, though it's only a problem if you're lacking education in several areas. Oh, and you're not guaranteed a dorm room if you're a walk-on student, at least at most universities.

Yeah, I realise the whole "college experience" bit, but I'm socially active enough so that not having a place on campus wouldn't make a damn bit of a difference. And to be honest, I'd rather live in a city apartment than on a college campus, though I'm just that way.

Oh, I've already planned my course. Credits from the community college transfer to UH, and UH credits transfer just about everywhere (not sure about Ivy League, though), so long as the course is the same or close to the same. North Harris -> UH -> Minnesota is a very workable path, as is North Harris -> UH -> UMass Amherst (or Boston).

That being said, UMass was my first choice, before I checked out Minnesota. Reason for the change? Price. UMass is around $25,000 per year for non-residents, whereas Minnesota is $14,000 per year ($11,000 and $9,000 for residents, respectively).

But apparently Rice gives a lot of financial aid if you get accepted. Well, if is the key word.

@Potarius: So going to a high ranked college for undergrad isn't all that important as people make it to seem?

Oh, it's definitely important, but if you're an intelligent person, you'll be able to get a job almost regardless of what university your diploma came from... Unless it's Prairie View A&M. :p

If it wasn't important, there wouldn't be people clamoring to get into MIT and Harvard. But it's not quite as important as some people would make you think.

But apparently Rice gives a lot of financial aid if you get accepted. Well, if is the key word.

@Potarius: So going to a high ranked college for undergrad isn't all that important as people make it to seem?

I'm not Potarius, but the Internet loosens my tongue, and I will respond anyway.
From what I've heard, most businesses, universities, etc., do not care if you went to Podunk University for undergrad. Graduate school is different; but that's another application process all together.

I'm not Potarius, but the Internet loosens my tongue, and I will respond anyway.
From what I've heard, most businesses, universities, etc., do not care if you went to Podunk University for undergrad. Graduate school is different; but that's another application process all together.

Huh.. that makes me feel a little better. Still, it'll be tough when all my friends are like "fwee harvard" or "fwee yale" on Monday.

"Walk-on" being somebody who doesn't go through the application/recruiting process. I've already talked with several registrars and it seems to be quite common... The only real problem being that you have to take a placement test, though it's only a problem if you're lacking education in several areas. Oh, and you're not guaranteed a dorm room if you're a walk-on student, at least at most universities.huh...interesting. I've never actually heard of that, though, it might just not be offered through BU

Yeah, I realise the whole "college experience" bit, but I'm socially active enough so that not having a place on campus wouldn't make a damn bit of a difference. And to be honest, I'd rather live in a city apartment than on a college campus, though I'm just that way.It does make a tiny bit of difference, though, given your social activity, not tons. I personally have loved my last two years in a shithole of an off campus apartment, but the dorms did teach me quite a bit in learning to deal with other people. I'd never choose it, but I'd never change it either.

Oh, I've already planned my course. Credits from the community college transfer to UH, and UH credits transfer just about everywhere (not sure about Ivy League, though), so long as the course is the same or close to the same. North Harris -> UH -> Minnesota is a very workable path, as is North Harris -> UH -> UMass Amherst (or Boston).
Boston. Not Amherst. Trust me on this one.

That being said, UMass was my first choice, before I checked out Minnesota. Reason for the change? Price. UMass is around $25,000 per year for non-residents, whereas Minnesota is $14,000 per year ($11,000 and $9,000 for residents, respectively).
Honestly, I would suggest the UMass system over Minnesota...Mind you, I know nothing of your financial restrictions...but even UMAmherst is a great school with the benefits of Boston...and those are many.

MA is expensive...but I could always claim you as a dependent/resident with me...and you'd have 3 (alcoholic, irresponsible, yet entertaining) fathers then ;)

Huh.. that makes me feel a little better. Still, it'll be tough when all my friends are like "fwee harvard" or "fwee yale" on Monday.
That's why you have to lie to your friends. It's one of those social skills that you pick up in high school that helps you for the rest of your life.

huh...interesting. I've never actually heard of that, though, it might just not be offered through BU

It does make a tiny bit of difference, though, given your social activity, not tons. I personally have loved my last two years in a shithole of an off campus apartment, but the dorms did teach me quite a bit in learning to deal with other people. I'd never choose it, but I'd never change it either.

Boston. Not Amherst. Trust me on this one.

Honestly, I would suggest the UMass system over Minnesota...Mind you, I know nothing of your financial restrictions...but even UMAmherst is a great school with the benefits of Boston...and those are many.

MA is expensive...but I could always claim you as a dependent/resident with me...and you'd have 3 (alcoholic, irresponsible, yet entertaining) fathers then ;)

I've worked in a supermarket for just over a year, and I live with two very difficult people... Believe me, I know how to deal with all of it. :p

Boston, eh? To be honest, I'd rather hit up Boston than Amherst, anyway.

Well, Minnesota and UMass are both great schools, but UMass is quite a bit better and, well, it's in the Northeast (New England FTW). Minnesota would be a great alternative, but it's probably a wee bit laid back for my taste. Being that I grew up with and around Northeasterners and Midwesterners (mostly of the Great Lakes region), I'd probably be a better fit in a less laid back environment (most of the people I spent time around were from either Jersey, New York, Connecticut, or Massachusetts). With more drinking. Lots.

Fathers? I'm twenty years old, you shit. :p

I'm not Potarius, but the Internet loosens my tongue, and I will respond anyway.
From what I've heard, most businesses, universities, etc., do not care if you went to Podunk University for undergrad. Graduate school is different; but that's another application process all together.

I highly disagree, but much of it depends on what field you are going into.

Mind you, the goal of education should not be how it makes one look, but what one takes from it. One should attend the school that will best benefit that person...regardless of name. There is a significant difference between universities...which is right for you?

I highly disagree, but much of it depends on what field you are going into.

Mind you, the goal of education should not be how it makes one look, but what one takes from it. One should attend the school that will best benefit that person...regardless of name. There is a significant difference between universities...which is right for you?
I did generalize a bit. For the sciences it matters. Anything else, not so much.

I did generalize a bit. For the sciences it matters. Anything else, not so much.

Education as well. I have many more opportunities as a BU grad than as a grad of certain other colleges

I did generalize a bit. For the sciences it matters. Anything else, not so much.

Well, a good school will definitely benefit somebody going into politics. Pittsburgh is a good bet for that, as is Yale.

Education as well. I have many more opportunities as a BU grad than as a grad of certain other colleges
I didn't know that. Is it all types of education, (primary, secondary, post-secondary) or just university education?

Well, a good school will definitely benefit somebody going into politics. Pittsburgh is a good bet for that, as is Yale.
That's more of a status thing, though. Going to Yale probably helped George Bush make political connections, appear educated, and receive whatever protective spells the Skulls and Bones place upon their members. But it didn't help him, you know, learn more.

That's more of a status thing, though. Going to Yale probably helped George Bush make political connections, appear educated, and receive whatever protective spells the Skulls and Bones place upon their members. But it didn't help him, you know, learn more.

Well, learning more wasn't necessarily what it was about. Sometimes, going to a more prestigious school is really just about status.

For instance, Harvard is more prestigious than Columbia, but Columbia will give you a better education hands down. But most people wouldn't even think about Columbia, because Harvard is just that prestigious.

Funny I just came across this blog. I just got wait-listed to Northwestern. Still waiting on several others. The process reminds me of

this: :headbang:

I didn't know that. Is it all types of education, (primary, secondary, post-secondary) or just university education?

sorry...I realized after I posted that that I was inherently ambiguous given the thread.

If you intend on being a professor, then yes, grad school outweighs undergrad.

I am unsure for primary (that is, k-6), as that is not my focus. I'll ask my sister.

For secondary (6-12), I have been told by many principals that they will give greater consideration to BU, BC, and Harvard graduates than those of other schools in the area (impressive, given the sheer number of local universities). We have a strong reputation in education, and we come with known traits (varies by school and what is emphasized, but there is a general trend for strong teachers). Because of the nature of education (masters must be earned within 10 years, but most first year teachers will not have one), undergrad is important

Well, learning more wasn't necessarily what it was about. Sometimes, going to a more prestigious school is really just about status.

For instance, Harvard is more prestigious than Columbia, but Columbia will give you a better education hands down. But most people wouldn't even think about Columbia, because Harvard is just that prestigious.

Really? I'd say Harvard and Columbia are pretty equal in terms of education quality...Harvard does have the stronger reputation, though.

Really? I'd say Harvard and Columbia are pretty equal in terms of education quality...Harvard does have the stronger reputation, though.

Yeah, I'm just going by word of mouth on that one. All I ever hear about Columbia is that it's got the most challenging cirriculum in the nation... Whether that's true or not, I'm really not certain, but it sounds likely.

Yeah, I'm just going by word of mouth on that one. All I ever hear about Columbia is that it's got the most challenging cirriculum in the nation... Whether that's true or not, I'm really not certain, but it sounds likely.

It may be due to my location or the publications that I read, but Harvard is consistantly ranked number 1 on just about everything

Well, at the risk of being internet stalked. (I seriously doubt it, but let's be safe) Let's just say that I didn't get in Wash u, Northwestern, Rice, and Stanford. =\

Of all the schools that rejected me (all... six? it was a lot), Stanford's rejection letter was the nicest. It was very it's not you, it's us. As opposed to UCLA, which sent my friend a list of community colleges.

Of all the schools that rejected me (all... six? it was a lot), Stanford's rejection letter was the nicest. It was very it's not you, it's us. As opposed to UCLA, which sent my friend a list of community colleges.
I remember my Stanford rejection letter: it suggested that we "just be friends."

As opposed to UCLA, which sent my friend a list of community colleges.

Whoa, that's the way to fucking burn somebody, man. That's hilarious.

I've pretty much decided where I'm going.

I've pretty much decided where I'm going.

donde?

Lessee...63 hours 'til I hear from Dartmouth...but I'm really lucky because even if I'm rejected, I'm into UChicago, which is an amazing school.

I remember my Stanford rejection letter: it suggested that we "just be friends."

Amherst asked me to send back the catalogues it had left at my house and then changed its number. :(

I'm not Potarius, but the Internet loosens my tongue, and I will respond anyway.
From what I've heard, most businesses, universities, etc., do not care if you went to Podunk University for undergrad. Graduate school is different; but that's another application process all together.

Seconded. From about age 5 to 16 I had planned to go to Berkeley, because that was where people went. Junior year of high school I had the sudden realization that not only did Berkeley not emphasize the areas I wanted to study, but going there for undergrad would basically be a continuation of high school (I believe something like 30-40 people from my class went there).

Instead I went to UCSC, lived on the most beautiful campus on the west coast, attended smaller classes that gave more individual attention, and got a great education.

To make a short story long, undergrad education is what you make of it. Graduate school is where business gets serious.

I attended a 2-year program at a community college. The credits will transfer if I seek higher education, I have a good job now, and I have NO COLLEGE DEBT. If I'd gone with a university program in Architecture, I would have graduated just as the housing market slumped with a huge debt on my back. If you have a free ride scholarship or rich parents, by all means pursue a degree at a big name school, but don't screw yourself with a $100K debt load and a degree in something the market doesn't need.

Dude, I applied to one school. Period.

Before people say I was a lucky idiot, I had my very good reasons. My major is hard to find. I'm getting a BS in Recording Industry Management, concentrating in Music Production & Technology. You can get an Associates of this at places like SAE or Full Sail, but those schools now have an industry reputation... and not a good one. Most other schools offer a Bachelors of Music program for music production, which is NOT what I wanted. Plus, I applied to the top public school for my major. We have a good reputation with people in the industry in this area.

Downside is, though, that I'm at the largest undergraduate institution in the state. (I don't think my school knows how to write a rejection letter.) And we're still growing. Right now, it's like that kid in your middle school class who hit his growth spurt but hasn't bought new pants... Really uncomfortable.

I got a letter two days ago making me a "Conditional Offer" to join the Honours Program in Economics at my university in 2009. All I have to do is pass one more course (even utter and complete failure in all the others won't be enough anymore to drag my average down far enough to miss the cut).

So yay me.

As for picking a uni, I don't know how it works in the US, but the best bet is to have some rough idea about the industry you want to get into and find out where a lot of their bosses and employees came from. Then you pick based on that.

There is something I've learned in the past two months or so: just like school before it, university is just preparation for something else. I got so caught up in it that I hardly thought about how things will look on my CV afterwards.

Lessee...63 hours 'til I hear from Dartmouth...

Wow, that's really precise: do US universities send all their offers out at the same time? In the UK they just send offers out to individuals whenever they've made a decision about that one person.

Congrats on Chicago by the way, and good luck with Dartmouth. :)

First, the school you go to does matter. Better schools get more recruiters. That being said, its better to get a 4.0 at state than a 2.0 at Harvard.

Wow, that's really precise: do US universities send all their offers out at the same time? In the UK they just send offers out to individuals whenever they've made a decision about that one person.

A lot of schools put out their decisions online. I found out almost all of mine on like 10 AM on a certain day.



And as a last sort of aside... Harvard (and Yale and Princeton) may dominate the top-3 of most rankings, but thats because the US News & World Report rankings are for research unviersities. The undergraduate experience at the Ivies - unless you like your classes being taught by TAs - is probably better at Brown or Dartmouth (don't know about Columbia).

I got rejected from Boston College. They can go fuck themselves, they accepted a kid I would consider lower than me from my school.

I wouldn't go there anyway (their fencing coach ignored me), but still.

Bastards.

Not college, in a sense, but I´m beginning to file the documents to go and spend 6 months in Japan. I think my exchange family will be located in Yokohama. I´m just jittery because this is a big step for me to learn Japanese. And what better place to do it than in the Land of the rising sun itself? Me excited!!!

Not college, in a sense, but I´m beginning to file the documents to go and spend 6 months in Japan. I think my exchange family will be located in Yokohama. I´m just jittery because this is a big step for me to learn Japanese. And what better place to do it than in the Land of the rising sun itself? Me excited!!!

Your broken English is already excellent. If movies have taught me anything, real Japanese should be a snap.

Your broken English is already excellent. If movies have taught me anything, real Japanese should be a snap.

...
Should I take this as a compliment or as you being a complete sarcastic individual (although that wasn´t the word I wanted to you, but you know, flaming rules)? Seriously, clarify that one.;)

...
Should I take this as a compliment or as you being a complete sarcastic individual (although that wasn´t the word I wanted to you, but you know, flaming rules)? Seriously, clarify that one.;)

You, I'm assuming facetiously, said "Me excited!!" It reminded me of what you would hear a stereotypical Japanese person say in a movie. Now, because you know broken English as well as a stereotypical Japanese person, I reasoned Japanese should be easy for you to learn.

In other words: yes, I was joking. :) I wouldn't say I was being sarcastic, because that sounds like I was making fun of you, which I wasn't trying to do. I'd put the post in the same category as the post where I told Port Arcana is was important to lie to his friends.

You, I'm assuming facetiously, said "Me excited!!" It reminded me of what you would hear a stereotypical Japanese person say in a movie. Now, because you know broken English as well as a stereotypical Japanese person, I reasoned Japanese should be easy for you to learn.

In other words: yes, I was joking. :) I wouldn't say I was being sarcastic, because that sounds like I was making fun of you, which I wasn't trying to do.

Understood. Just one tiny detail, I´m not Japanese, I´m Spanish. The ¨Me excited¨ was a joke. But it´s ok, you clarified it to me and all´s good.;)

Understood. Just one tiny detail, I´m not Japanese, I´m Spanish. The ¨Me excited¨ was a joke. But it´s ok, you clarified it to me and all´s good.;)

I know, that's why I joked about it. If you actually were Japanese and actually did speak English irregularly, making fun of it would just be mean.

I know, that's why I joked about it. If you actually were Japanese and actually did speak English irregularly, making fun of it would just be mean.

:)

First, the school you go to does matter. Better schools get more recruiters. That being said, its better to get a 4.0 at state than a 2.0 at Harvard.



A lot of schools put out their decisions online. I found out almost all of mine on like 10 AM on a certain day.



And as a last sort of aside... Harvard (and Yale and Princeton) may dominate the top-3 of most rankings, but thats because the US News & World Report rankings are for research unviersities. The undergraduate experience at the Ivies - unless you like your classes being taught by TAs - is probably better at Brown or Dartmouth (don't know about Columbia).

Yeah, I was thinking about applying to Yale (as my mother went there) but it was just way too big and graduate-oriented for me.

And Dartmouth posted a letter saying that 2:00 pm my time on Monday, they'll post decisions...I'm super excited. But even if I don't get in, Chicago will be fabulous. I'll have a great time at either.

I got into RIT, Clarkson, and Buffalo... woo. dunno where I'm going, though.

I remember my Stanford rejection letter: it suggested that we "just be friends."

I kept mine and I plan to frame it someday.

My situation's not quite on the topic of this thread, but it's relevant. I'm graduating from Northwestern in June, and right now I'm trying to decide on a law school. I got into Texas, Washington University in St. Louis, and Denver, waitlisted by several other schools, and am still waiting to hear from three others including Stanford and Vanderbilt. It's looking like it'll come down to a decision between Texas (reduced in-state tuition) and Wash U (even more greatly reduced tuition due to scholarship).

I kept mine and I plan to frame it someday.

My situation's not quite on the topic of this thread, but it's relevant. I'm graduating from Northwestern in June, and right now I'm trying to decide on a law school. I got into Texas, Washington University in St. Louis, and Denver, waitlisted by several other schools, and am still waiting to hear from three others including Stanford and Vanderbilt. It's looking like it'll come down to a decision between Texas (reduced in-state tuition) and Wash U (even more greatly reduced tuition due to scholarship).

From the gossip I hear, Vandy's law school is all but impossible to get in to. I have a lawyer friend that went to Wash U, though..

From the gossip I hear, Vandy's law school is all but impossible to get in to. I have a lawyer friend that went to Wash U, though..

Even if I did get in, it would probably take a comparable reduction in price for me to choose them over Texas or Wash U.

Even if I did get in, it would probably take a comparable reduction in price for me to choose them over Texas or Wash U.

Vandy's prices are what kept a lot of my friends from going for undergrad. I have family that thinks I should apply to law school there (I have no intentions of continuing my education after undergrad, at least not right after graduation) but I think if I sent them some figures about tuition it'd get them off my back. (And I'd be in-state, too.)

Back in my day (2005), I had until May 1st to make a decision. Kids these days...

Back in my day (2005), I had until May 1st to make a decision. Kids these days...

It will just keep getting earlier and earlier. Of course, people may start to become suspicious when colleges start sending letters before anyone applies.

Gah, found out I was waitlisted by Tufts as well. Eh, life goes on I guess.

Ah, I didn't get in to UPenn, either. :(