Dear Jyothi:
I am a below average high school senior. I didn’t do well in my entrance exams either. My parents had me apply to all the top colleges in the nation. I never sent in my applications. I’m scared be-cause my parents thought that I did. I didn’t apply anywhere. In a few weeks my parents will find out when everyone gets their letters of acceptance or rejections. Now I feel like running away. Everyone will find out that I am a failure. What should I do?
— Left out
Dear Friend:
First of all, please don’t run away. You might feel like a failure right now, but you are not. You might have not been truthful to your parents, but you actually might have not trusted yourself to be ready to go off to college. Going to the top colleges in the country might seem great, but remember you are going to college to prepare for your future. I have always supported students to go to their local colleges, including community colleges. Everyone forgets that when applying to graduate schools, GPAs make a difference. GPAs are an amazing equalizer on future applications. Now getting back to your parents, you have to be honest with them. Tell them that you are sorry that you misled them. Tell that you have a plan. Go to your school counselor and ask for advice in applying to your local community colleges or regular colleges. Community colleges are great for transition. The student body is diverse. It might be consist of students, who are returning older adults, students like yourself, who are unsure of their academics, many students from foreign countries, and students, who really don’t care. This is your opportunity to develop your study skills and gain confidence in yourself. I always advise students to take classes that will transfer to other colleges, if you decide to transfer. Work closely with the counselors there. They really want to help you if you seek their advice. Remember, you have a great future ahead of you. It is up to you, but you have taken the first step. Congratulations on your future.
— Jyothi
