Am I Cooked for College? Here’s Why You’re Not (and How to Fix It)

Picture this: you’re in the throes of your senior year of high school. You see the light at the end of the tunnel (graduation) and are preparing for the next stage of your life. But there’s just one issue you’re facing—college. Maybe things didn’t pan out the way you expected, and now you feel like your chances of college are completely burnt to a crisp.

If you feel this way, you’re not alone. Many high schoolers worry that college is no longer attainable for various reasons and are now looking at their Plan B.

While you might face a few bumps on the road, going to college is still possible if you’re willing to put in some effort.   

Reasons you might feel cooked for college (but aren’t)

If you feel like college is out of reach, here’s the truth: it’s not. Let’s break down the most common reasons you might think you’re “cooked” for college—and how you can turn things around.

My grades and test scores are bad

We won’t beat around the bush. Grades and test scores can play a major role in the admissions process. However, you don’t need a 4.0 GPA or a 30 on the ACT to attend college. 

There are a few options you can pursue if your GPA or test scores aren’t the strongest:

• Consider open-admissions schools: Several colleges have open admissions (aka open enrollment), meaning that if you meet the minimum requirements, such as a high school diploma, you’ll be accepted regardless of your grades or test scores.
• Go to a community college: We know going to a four-year college is the goal for many, but it’s completely okay to start at a two-year community college. These schools typically admit students regardless of their grades or ACT/SAT scores. If your eyes are still on a four-year college, you can easily transfer your courses from community college. Just make sure your advisor knows your plans so they can plan your classes accordingly.
• Be honest in your personal essay: You can use your personal essay to speak on your grades or test scores. Instead of making excuses, write about the lessons you learned and demonstrate your resilience and suitability for the program.

I can’t afford tuition

College isn’t cheap, and you likely don’t want to pull out a bunch of loans to fund your education if you don’t have to. Believe it or not, there’s a lot of free money out there to pay for college, but you’ve got to put in the work to get it.

A good starting point is to complete the Free Application for Financial Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA can determine your eligibility for grants, scholarships, work-study programs, and loans. If eligible, you’ll receive an award letter detailing what financial aid you’ll get.

Don’t forget to apply for scholarships. Many schools offer merit-based or program-specific scholarships for which you can apply. You can contact the program to learn more about scholarship opportunities. Many scholarship databases also share various scholarships, grants, and fellowships from different organizations and companies. Many websites allow you to filter for scholarships to find ones that align with your experiences and career aspirations.  

Did you know that tuition-free colleges were a thing? There are 17 tuition-free colleges across the country that you may be eligible for. Just so you know, some schools require you to return the favor by working in various departments on campus, so keep that in mind. Alternatively, some schools offer free tuition if your family's income is below a specific threshold. 

I didn’t do enough extracurriculars

We get it. Maybe you weren’t into sports or didn’t align with any clubs, and that’s completely okay. Not having much or any involvement in extracurriculars is not a deal-breaker for some colleges. 

In place of these extracurriculars, tell your prospective schools about any volunteering, part-time jobs, family responsibilities, personal projects, or other experiences. These are just as relevant as a stint on a basketball team or membership in the National Honor Society.

I missed the deadlines or didn’t apply anywhere

November is the typical deadline for most colleges, followed by decision deadlines in January. If you’re not keeping track, these deadlines can slip right by you. Or, maybe you initially decided not to apply but have had a change of heart. Regardless of your situation, it’s not too late to submit applications.

Some schools have rolling admissions, meaning they review applications as they come in. There are also schools with later application deadlines in February and beyond, giving you more time to submit those applications.

Another option is to apply for the next semester or school year. Who says you have to start college right away in the fall anyway? 

You’re not cooked! You’ve got options

We know how discouraging it can be to see your classmates seemingly having the “perfect” journey to college. Getting into college is not easy, and there can be a few road bumps before you see that acceptance letter. Start working on these tips to build your path to future success.

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