By Cheryl Mattox Berry
College acceptance letters have been flooding inboxes across the USA this month. Some were admitted to their dream school; others got their second or third pick; and many will be going to community college in the fall.
It doesn’t matter where you’re going. The important thing is that you’re going to college. Congratulations!
For those in a funk because they didn’t get into their No. 1 school, welcome to the real world. You won’t always get what you want, but that doesn’t mean what you got isn’t good enough.
Your college experience will be what you make it. If the school you plan to attend doesn’t offer the specific major, class, study abroad program or lab that you need for your career, figure out how you can get it. You may be able to design a major, take classes or participate in programs at a partner school. A series of internships will also help you gain valuable experience in your field.
For students going to a community college, you’ll have plenty of company. Community colleges have become popular for a variety of reasons: Tuition is lower; students will be able to pull up their grades or enroll in remedial classes; and they can take as few or many classes as they can handle.
Some high school graduates aren’t ready for the rigors of a four-year university, and community college allows them to ease into that environment. Activities at these schools mirror universities, from athletic teams to clubs. Some even have dormitories.
At the end of two years, students are ready to attend a nearby four-year school or go away to college. Keep in mind that you can still go to your top school – for grad school. The first four years of college will fly by, and you’ll be able to take another shot at your No. 1 choice before you know it.