Overcoming Family Expectations: Navigating College Choices and Academic Goals
Embarking on the journey of higher education can be filled with challenges and tough decisions, especially when faced with family opinions and personal aspirations. Recently, I shared my story of transitioning from high school to college, highlighting some of the hurdles I’ve encountered along the way and how I plan to navigate them.
After completing high school with a GPA of 3.3 and a 1300 SAT score, I spent five years in the United States—starting high school with no prior English background. Looking back, one of my key mistakes was applying to only two colleges during my senior year. I didn’t fully consider Saint Peter’s University, which I viewed as a backup at the time, and my dream school, Stevens Institute of Technology.
Despite putting significant effort into my application—writing a compelling essay and securing strong recommendation letters—I was unfortunately rejected by Stevens. With most other college application deadlines already passed, my options became limited, and I ultimately enrolled at Saint Peter’s University. While my initial plan was to attend community college for a year or two to strengthen my transfer application to Stevens, my parents were hesitant about this approach.
Now, I am committed to working diligently at Saint Peter’s with the goal of transferring to Stevens later. But many students wonder: how does transferring from one university to another compare to transferring from a community college? While each path has its unique challenges, understanding the transfer process and setting clear academic goals can help make this transition smoother.
If you’re facing similar situations or contemplating your college journey, remember that persistence and strategic planning are key. Whether starting at a four-year institution or community college, your dedication can open doors to your desired academic future.