For all you seniors out there, you've got some pretty big decisions to make soon - where are you going to college in the fall? There's a whole lot of ingredients that go into making that pie. One of them is thinking about how successful you'll be at the college once you arrive. For many of you, the lure of attending a school that was in your Reach category is extremely tempting. You got in, didn't you? They believe in you. Why shouldn't you believe in yourself? I mean, really, who are you to toss away a miracle? Before you send in that enrollment deposit, let's try to predict the rigor of the college, what will be expected of you academically, and what you're willing to commit to along the way.
When you look at the schools you are contemplating, I want you to also look at their average ACT and/or SAT scores. Then, I want you to compare your scores to that average. Even if you went test-optional, I'm betting you still have a score you can claim as your own. Use it. If your score is falling below the average range, then take it a step further. Find the information that provides you with the 25th percentile number. Are you still below that? If so, let's take stock.
Can you still be successful at that college academically if your test score falls below the 25th percentile? Of course you can still be successful! But, know what you're getting into. Know that the time you'll spend keeping up with the college's academic load will be heavy. It will seem even heavier because the students around you may not seem to be working as hard as you are. Don't be confused by this - you're going to have to work harder if you want to keep up with the students who are within the test range - that's fact! You can still be successful, but you'll have to make some sacrifices. It'll take more effort on your part to keep up. You'll have to study more than your roommate. You'll have to say "no" to many party invites because you'll have to study on weekends. You'll have to discipline yourself to go to those office hours and tutoring sessions religiously. So, yes, you can be successful at a college where you fell below the average test score range, even if you were accepted. But, are you willing to work at it? Are you willing? If you are, then keep reaching and pushing yourself. I promise, you'll get there!
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