college admissions culture is toxic.
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 29 ก.ย. 2024
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Senior year is supposed to be fun, but for many high schoolers, college admissions stress takes over. High-achieving students spend hours watching college decision reaction videos, comparing SAT and ACT scores, or scrolling on subreddits like r/ApplyingToCollege or r/chanceme, experiencing intense pressure to get into an Ivy League school. Is this culture around college admissions toxic?
Elite American college admissions have become nothing short of a lottery. And it’s a bubble that is probably going to burst soon.
For overachieving high school students who crave success, “HYPSM” (Harvard, Yale. Princeton, Stanford, MIT) seems to be the pinnacle of achievement. Students spend months, even years perfecting essays, preparing interviews, and stacking their resumes to craft the “spike” that just might convince an admissions officer to accept them.
(To get a glimpse of the pure psychopathy and unbridled ambition of teenagers who never go outside, simply spend five minutes on the r/ApplyingToCollege subreddit)
And last year, the acceptance rates for elite US universities were the lowest they’ve ever been.
This is partly attributed to the rise of test-optional applications, and also to trend of kids applying to a larger and larger pool of universities. When my parents were applying to college, people usually applied to around 5 colleges. Now, the average is more like 10-20. And more applications = lower acceptance rates.
Some 2021 Acceptance Rates:
Harvard: 3.4%
Columbia: 3.7%
Princeton: 4%
MIT: 4%
Duke: 4.3%
Yale: 4.6%
Stanford: 4.7%
Keep in mind that for the most part, students applying to these schools are already in the top 1% of high school students with regard to standardized test scores, GPA, and extracurriculars. They can only take 3-5% of a pool already filled with the most accomplished students. This makes admissions insanely competitive.
In 2022, the rates were about the same- and some schools refused to publish their statistics.
Yet, on the Internet, there is a prolific culture around college admissions. Let's discuss this.
#college #academia #ivyleague
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Not to mention some people profit off of stressed-out students who want to get into these schools.
For my other seniors, consider whether you plan to go to graduate school, saving money and preventing stress during the admissions process. Prestigious schools aren't bad altogether, but it might be best to save them for graduate school when you have everything figured out. Many top schools do have good stem-based graduate programs for graduate students. Also, they can help with networking, but going there as an undergraduate might be a waste of money. Really look into that, it really depends on your major and what your career goals are, however, most people don't have that figured out at that age and it may change. Do not go to a school for the name go for the experience and what they offer for YOU because at the end of the day, it's about YOU not them. Find your fit wherever you go whether at an ivy, community college, state school, etc. A lot of people make the admissions process about the school they want to go to and how they can tailor themselves for that school (consciously or subconsciously), but that disregards what might be best for them (transferring, going to state, community college, trade school, etc.).
Get out of the comparing game a lot of smart people love to do, and do what works for you that may not be going to the prestigious school.
collegeboard directly profits off college stress with the pseudo-prestige of the AP program
Yeah, I prefer dual enrollment. However, some schools are finicky about it and some counselors may deter students from it. I basically get to take classes for free and have a guarantee that I’m gonna get the credit if I pass. I wish I knew about it earlier :/ . I haven’t done any ap’s for my senior year lol
Something to add to your point: it’s crazy how much college expects students to achieve before getting admitted. When you think about it, college is a place where you LEARN how to make a difference. How is the merit of a college education shown if the vast majority of students are walking in already knowing how to save the world?? This logic just makes no sense
exactly! and it's compounded by the fact that a lot of kids use strategic wording/etc to make their accomplishments sound a whole lot more impressive than they actually are. Lol
I heard interesting point from person who said that top colleges are basically businesses. You’re like an investment for them, they seek leaders or world-changers so when they become alumni they can praise or contribute to the school
All colleges are businesses. It's kind of ass backwards. The colleges that everyone is clawing away trying to gain admission to have huge endowments and don't need tuition to survive. It is the colleges that have less competitive admissions that need students to enroll in order to keep themselves going.
Yeah, personally I believe that high schoolers doing things that adults/college students do is already insane, such as partaking in internships, undergrad-level research, and starting nonprofits just to make their app look good. Most of those non-profits fade away after they go to college, so you can tell it wasn't true passion.
I’m really glad you said this. I was a “gifted” kid with high expectations for myself, but my undiagnosed ADHD turned high school into a slog that I could only just survive without any extracurriculars. College has felt the same even after diagnosis. I spend a lot of time worrying that folks won’t want to hire me because I don’t really have extracurriculars or volunteer hours to speak of but my college classes have put so much emphasis on beefing up your resume.
as a senior rn i totally agree! the hype around "prestige" is completely overrated and you can see the true colors of many people especially on a2c. and the colleges behind all of this are profiting off of extremely stressed teenagers.
as introvertedmadness said: "college admissions is the hunger games mmo rpg 17 year old children play: in which they roleplay as ceos, philanthropists, and lincoln-douglas debate enthusiasts for the reward of paying a corporation hundreds of thousands of dollars, for a piece of paper certifying that they can indeed submit assignments on time."
So true
(best) worst thing is that they don't even look at the paper when you apply for a job lol
@@Banom7a - Employers care that you have it, and some care if it’s from a top tier as opposed to third tier school, but in the real world, top 10 vs top 40 doesn’t matter at all, especially if your school is well-known in the geographic or professional area you work in.
Yo nice video as a foreign student applying to one uni in the states I started watching all the videos about uni and uni experience and dam it feels soul crushing at points but also nice but your vid is a change to the glorification of the system.
glad im adopting this mindset junior year bc i alr felt myself stressing & comparing myself to others
Currently a junior right now and this vid is calming me down about the whole college application/admissions process that imma be going through in the next 5-6 months 😭
this is so true, i remember how draining the entire process is and how anti-climatic it felt to finally apply and get accepted/rejected... it's honestly not worth it, good on you for coming out and talking about it!
thanks addu!!
It’s so nice seeing someone else with a similar stance on admissions. I’m currently applying to colleges and worry everyday. This video made me feel a little relieved. Thank you
There's no need to worry as long as you understand that there are hundreds of good colleges out there instead of the 40 or 50 that everyone seems to be clamoring for but will not get into. Except for those relatively few schools, college is a buyer's market. It is not hard to get into a good college. It's just hard to get into a tiny percentage of colleges.
@@gheller2261 Very easy to say, but only some schools have merit scholarships so it is in fact normal to worry
@@amandamguyre8528 Respectfully, this is actually not true. A considerable majority of colleges and universities, particularly those that are private, offer a lot of merit aid as well as grant money. It is the "elite" schools that typically do not offer merit aid because they do not have to in order to attract students. And those that do give money based on merit award it to only a handful of students each year.
Scores of public universities offer merit aid, both to resident and non-resident students (oftentimes, if your numbers reach a certain level, one can get in-state tuition or better). Some examples are U of Alabama, Michigan State, Miami-Ohio, Ohio University, University of New Mexico, University of Arizona, Arizona State, University of Nebraska, University of Kansas, Kansas State, University of Iowa, University of Delaware, University of Maine, University of Vermont, University of Oklahoma, Florida State, University of Minnesota, Ohio State, University of Colorado. I can go on and on and some state schools charge in-state tuition to non-residents or something close to it (e.g., Western Michigan, Central Michigan).
Most regional private universities that have a strong reputation (and there are a lot of them) give out a lot of money in merit aid and one does not have to be an honor student with a 34 ACT/1400+ SAT. My 3.3 GPA, no AP classes daughter with a 30 ACT received well-north of $20,000 from at least a half a dozen highly reputable schools. One needs to simply keep an open mind and get past the whole US News Top 20 or Top 50 thing. The money is out there. The key is to be strategic (apply to peer institutions and then negotiate awards against one another) and open minded because, in the end, it does not really matter all that much where one gets her undergraduate degree. Those who insist otherwise are just selling a false dream and not being truthful about how the world works.
I got into an Ivy League school but compared to many of my classmates I am completely average. I had a low act score and only got 1 five among the exams that I took. I had a 3.8 gpa and such but I went to one of the worsts performing schools in the country and a good portion of the student body was in poverty. The opportunity I got from my university is amazing but that is a reality I would have faced in any educational institution I chose to attend. Colleges aren’t seen for the educational opportunities they provide, a place you can grow to better yourself and community. For first generation/low income students I think the pressure of prestige just adds to the pressure of trying to help yourself out of poverty.
@wilbur mcwaffles mate your name is wilbur mcwaffles go back to doing your algebra homework
Wow Amanda 💖 thanks for sharing your thoughts.
@wilbur mcwaffles That’s so insensitive. I hope you’re having fun rolling in the stolen generational wealth of your ancestors. :)
we should normalize and glamorize community colleges fuck the stress
and imho they have a way better energy than the "top" schools I've attended where the students are super uppity. CC is wholesome and everyone there is working for a better life
Yesss! I'm looking into some community colleges because knowing the cost of going to a 4-year community college, on top of my dream to go the medical school is too much. I might take that route simply to save money and stress.
I was "involved" in this culture on youtube for a while, and it scared me a lot while i was doing my apps. Im a pretty "average" student lets just say, and these people made me think i had to have really insane stats to get in anywhere. I got into 6/8 schools i applied to and even though they were just state schools they all offer a quality education. I also think the expectations on high schoolers these days is insane and is probobly contributing A LOT to the teen mental health crisis. I also feel that the playing field for admissions has become horribly unfair. These are all just my opinions! Great video!
I’m from the uk and here we do UCAS applications for uni. Personally I wouldn’t wish this experience on anyone, it’s mentally draining and exhausting and also let’s not forget that most of us carry the mentality of if u haven’t gotten into uni ur not good enough 😔💔
@@lmaoaims Ah im sorry, you are worth so much more than your grades, scores etc. This process is extremely stressful for all involved in it. I wish you the best, and luck if youre currently in the process of applications, and i hope you get the best in life!
The subreddits like ApplyingToCollege are so toxic, I'm so glad I'm not the only one who thinks this
I'm a current senior whos waiting on college decisions. I had the same mindset that you had about college applications and ivy league for almost my entire life, and even after learning about how difficult it actually is to get accepted, I still find myself comparing my grades and sat scores to those of my friends. This mindset has caused me a lot of emotional trauma and distress in middle school and highschool and I don't wish anyone to go through that. Thanks for making this video!
For European American students- it's about legacy stutus, donations and connections
For Asians- it's about numbers!
For hispanic (hispanic includes European hispanics), black and indigenous students- it's about diversity
and that's just the way it is
@@canalzinha most euroean students aren't at harvard ether. only the wealthy ones... go check the average family income.
when i was applying to college, i purposely avoided any conversations about stats because i knew i would feel hopeless
Same.
current hbcu freshman and former a2c dweller here! i also wanna add this point about a2c: hbcus are seen in a lesser light and not seen as “prestigious”. i got rejected from nyu, my first choice, and ended up attending the highest ranked hbcu in the country. although i was extremely happy to attend this school, when i told others about my decision, they comforted me like it was a huge loss. the same thing happened to me on a2c.
The amount of anti-blackness in prestigious college admissions circles gives me the ick, there’s always back handed compliments like indirectly complaining about affirmative action or saying how they don’t care about race demographics when picking a school. Like I had to drop applying to one school cause 70% of the school was white and and I already attend a PWI high school
This is an incredibly mature and important video that every tenth grader should see. As a college counselor I have had more than one person whose kid did what you did in high school say to me "if I knew it was this hard to get into these colleges I would not have had my kid kill themselves taking all those AP classes." And I honestly reply that unfortunately, I think they would have because now college admissions has also become a contest between parents and THEIR egos. Worst part of it all is that there is little to no evidence that a students who attends US News (ugh) top 20 or 30 schools will be more professionally successful than if they had attended, say, their flagship State U. In fact, studies bear this out. Best of luck to you.
This is a very mature video for such a young individual. Power to you for being so vulnerable and sharing your opinion. I have similar sentiments regarding the beast that has become US college admissions.
As a lower income student who is currently enrolled in university, I used to be super obsessed with college admissions videos and shows like Gilmore Girls. I hadn’t even realized that I’d be unable to afford to attend any of these schools in the first place, and looking back at the college admissions process as a university student, I can only feel bitterness for how elitist and classist it all is. Such a toxic culture in general tbh. I think community college should be given a better reputation because not only can you transfer, you can save a lot more money while also getting your Gen eds out of the way.
I am more than grateful that you have made this video to support all high schoolers stressing about college, especially since you are considered to be an "Ivy League" type student. The r/a2c subreddit is so unbelievably toxic that people virtually don't have the right to set their own standards and abide by their own values, goals, and interests. Rather, they see the profile of an amazing applicant and try to reject their own background to imitate that "highly-qualified applicant" in hopes of getting into the college of their choice. For example, there have been posts saying "Oh no my GPA is so bad it's a 3.95 UW" or "I got a horrible SAT of 1480" or "Oops I got a 4 on an AP exam" and it's just so disheartening because those scores could have been good in the perspective of another person, so it essentially forces them to believe that their scores are bad. Any good or bad score is what you consider it to be. Plus, this system is so unbelievably biased that someone can have a better chance of admission if they are of a different background or they have legacy at the school. It also makes people believe that state schools and community colleges are inferior but they actually offer some pretty nice benefits and stellar programs. This whole process has revealed people who aren't true friends and start treating their friends like enemies fighting in the college admissions war. As a current senior, I can't wait for this College Admissions War to end so that I can enjoy my time in college and pursue my passions. I dearly hope this video will reach a million views, and eventually surpass the count of the prestige-obsessed student population. Passion & happiness >>>> A diploma from a prestigious college
P.S. I have an 80-year-old neighbor who went to community college back in the day, transferred to my local state school, and worked at HP as an Electrical Engineer. He paid off all of his loans, and now he's retired, he gardens, walks his dogs everyday, and reads plenty of books. Even though he didn't attend a school anywhere near the top 20, his life is a prime example of how you don't need to chase college prestige to achieve success.
And it just gets worse once you’re in the school. The perfectionism you come in with, the disappointment in not having the perfect academic life. It never ends
I think what a lot of people who care about going to the most prestigious school don't realize is so many people don't even go to college. Being able to have that experience is such a privilege in itself, and all of us who have the opportunity should be grateful for that, even if we don't go to Harvard or Princeton or Stanford or another "top" school.
I'm currently going through the admissions process and fell into the trap of telling myself "I need to apply to as many schools as possible because I'm not going to get into any." I finally told myself that wherever I go, I will learn a ton and have fun in college. I applied to my safeties for a reason, and that's because I like those schools. What changed my mind, really, is the knowledge that I would need at least a master's degree in order to get a decent job in my field of study. Employers aren't going to care about where I went for undergrad when I have a master's and hopefully a Ph.D, and if they do, I probably don't want to work there. Relaxing has made my life so much easier. I'm applying to one more school (and it's not "prestigious") because I've visited it and I love the vibe and campus culture, and they have a pretty good program in my major, and then I'm DONE with college applications. I'll be bummed if I don't get into my favorite college, but I have other good options that will still set me up for success, because I will be going to college.
I completely agree. I'm a senior in high school now and I found that getting excited about my major is much better than getting excited about a school I most likely will not get into. Thank you for making this!
Only 3% of colleges are selective. I hate how the discussion is placed around this 3%. I can relate to you story so much. I wanted to go to stanford so bad that burned myself out and honestly ended up worse than when I started. I would lose sleep because I was thinking about how much time I was spending not working on extracurricular s or starting a business. I ended going to state school and am so happy here.
I was very high achieving and high school, to the point where my entire life's purpose was to go to an Ivy League and I had no other aspirations. Fast forward three years: I'm living in Manhattan, starting my own business, and doing so many cool things without having gone to college at all. College is such a small portion of our lives, and there is so much more to aspire to afterwards. :)
You are speaking straight facts, I couldn’t have summarized the toxicity behind the college admissions system myself. Thank you for posting this video
Having gone through undergrad, MS, PhD, and postdoc at a national lab and eventually a staff position offer recently, I had interacted or worked with a lot of students/researchers/professors over the years. I have one degree from an Ivy league.
What I learned is that the top students at those schools are indeed extremely good, but the average may not be as good as the top students elsewhere. I was shocked to learn someone with PhD at Caltech can't figure out the right-hand rule for magnetic field orientation -- a concept I learned during middle school. A good friend of mine was from a community colleague but now a very successful scientist.
It is unfortunate that classicism/elitism is there. However, you will not be limited by the school you go to, but how you build your knowledge and expertise over the years.
huh, we learned that in high school physics. although to be fair, the right hand rule always broke my brain lolol
Yea exactly. Theres a lot of elitism out there and this tends to dictate peoples perceptions of ivy leagues more than facts do
Ong fuck college admissions. Ive been putting mine off til the last minute. Ivy league schools are over-rated and overpriced. I'm gonna try applying to several but idrc if I get in cuz I'm mostly tryna go to Purdue. I'm just getting my college choices off that US news top colleges for my major list. I never rlly gave much thought towards college admissions til now and once I started I didn't feel confident in my hs career but looking back I feel like I've actually done some useful shit with my hs life, hopefully enough to get into one of my top choice colleges.
Thanks so much for this video!! Just submitted my last batch of essays and it's such a weight off my shoulders, but now it's all about the anxiety. Thank you for the reassurance.
I’m a senior right now and so much of what you said apples to me. I started watching college decision reaction videos in my sophomore year and ended up applying to eight prestigious schools. The only college I’ve gotten into so far is my safety and I originally didn’t want to go there because of the lack of prestige, but I really love the school now! Honestly, attending a top ten school means nothing, it’s what you end up doing at the school that matters.
I graduated from a state school 20 years ago. I became a CPA and have a perfectly decent life. The thing to remember is American "clout-chasing" and "status-chasing" society is very worthless. If you spend time volunteering in the global south you will see how ridiculously trivial problems like college rejections are.
I applied and got accepted into my safety schools already. I am still waiting for my top schools but this video made me realize how lucky I am to get into my safety schools that are great schools. I forgot that I am just lucky to go to Uni cause I’m barely the second one of my family to get to go.
Thank you for humbling me.
Words can’t express how grateful I am that I applied when the act/sat scores were not mandatory so you didn’t have to take them. I’ve still had to deal with college board because of Cleps but it hasn’t been as bad as when I took the ACT.
college board is awful!
There's a lot of politics and money involved in admissions. There's probably nothing you could have done differently in your situation. Unfortunately life's not written by Amy Sherman-Palladino. It's probably for the best, you seem to have a good head on your shoulders, you wouldn't wanna let them try to ruin it.
Some state schools have better programs than ivy league schools. What really matters is what you put into your degrees.
Great video! As the parent of a HS senior, I had to “check myself” at the start of the school year and let my son’s interests and preferences guide our process. He’s naturally someone who can easily get stressed out and was almost paralyzed by all the choices and the overall process. I reminded myself that he is not me. He has his own preferences and I made sure I respected that. We had a mix of safety, reach, and match schools which was a great confidence booster. Whatever school he selects, I know he will have a good overall undergraduate experience! ❤
I got admitted to Berkeley and UCLA and I absolutely agree. College admissions is a lottery
@wilbur mcwaffles man wtf
@wilbur mcwaffles stop.
@wilbur mcwaffles low life
I need your luck.
During my high school years, I mostly just had fun. I didn’t learn three languages, start a nonprofit, or play the oboe. I attended my instate public university; however, I did well there, earning a scholarship for my grades and graduating cum laude in three years. I went on to earn two graduate degrees, one from Stanford and one from Johns Hopkins. I’m living proof that you can end up with the impressive “baubles” on your resume by a combination of patience and persistence.
shout out to '23, we are really going through it rn trust me
I knew I was cooked when I heard "4.0" and "1500+" I have a 3.7 UW and an 1100. BYE LOL
currently at a 4.0 and no SAT score, so i mean, you're already doing better than where i'm at, especially since i have a feeling you're currently taking AP classes
@@i_forgor_whar I’d say a 3.7 uw with 12+ ap and de classes looks more impressive than all normal with a 4.0.
@@Iceify_ yup, so if you're starting to stress about wondering how your academics look like, keep in mind there will always be applicants who have hardly anything to show
Don’t stress out to much! Frankly I sometimes regret how much time I spent obsessively working towards “perfect” stats. Enjoy your high school experience . Going to college, I no longer have such good grades, but I am enjoying my life a lot more
This also severely impacts neurodivergent and autistic and disabled individuals as well. Most disabled individuals aren’t even considered for certain colleges if at all.
Funny enough this video helped for me applying for my masters and helped calmed me down. I even remember when I was applying back in high school and got really stressed out.
I'm currently waiting for the decision from my dream school and I completely agree with everything you said in the video! I made myself so anxious about it all that I ended up missing several days of school and having to go to the doctor because I made myself physically ill from stress and anxiety and I really hope that more people are able to realize how toxic it all is, and I wish that I myself had been able to do so before I experienced huge consequences!
Being working-class in the Midwest, I've never even contemplated going to any school besides my local one. It's just what everyone around here does. Local colleges don't get enough credit.
As a mother, I know that you are still young and probably frustrated for the disappointed experience of not getting into your dream colleges and it wasn't like this when I went to college. However, for future applicants, college applications are a number game, just like you said, like the lottery. The more you apply, the more chances you get to go to a good school. Do not take it personal if the colleges didn't accept you. That's fine, you move on! the good part is that at least you try, and that counts. You don't stay with the doubt. You did what you needed to do to get a chance, the decision is out of your control. Also, there might be a percentage of truth of what you said about students applying because of the brand and name to ivys and T20s, but I think most students apply because of the opportunities that that represents. Do not think about affordability either, most of the ivys have a huge endowment in the billions, they do not depend on tuitions. You might get a scholarship. Also, all the things you need to do to build a resume while in high school is insane. However, if you see it from a different perspective, the struggles, the sacrifices you do to get a good GPA, good grades, good scores the volunteer hours, the extracurriculars, etc. Is to prepare you for life because life is not easy. It helps you to have discipline, motivation, goals, organization. It helps you to learn to prioritize things, to time management, etc.which are skills that you are going to need as an adult. In addition, the purpose of college is not only to teach you academic subjects is to teach you to THINK, to be curious, to be an intellectual, and NOT everyone who goes to college can reach that. Some people never learn it. I hope this helps!
This was a really refreshing and honest video. "Collecting colleges" is such a good way to explain what people go through when they're completely sucked into applying for college. I couldn't afford applying to 20+ (I applied to 1 college, then transferred again only applying to 1 more college), and my stats weren't top of the line, I was a slightly above average student. I went to a community college that I loved, then transferred to a private university in my state that fit my needs and what I wanted to do; it gave me so many incredible opportunities and connections. I think people collecting colleges just so they can see how many they get into takes away the meaning of finding the college that is meant for you. Even though I didn't go to any prestigious universities I graduated and got into dental school because the schools I chose offered me the most of what I needed and allowed me to flourish and gain invaluable experience that I probably wouldn't have gotten at some prestigious schools. I also didn't compare myself or my stats to ANYONE because it was beyond anxiety inducing and it all worked out just fine, in fact, it made my application as authentic and true to me as possible.
I know how stressful it is to feel like you need to be in a highly ranked school based on what society thinks, but when you get into grad school or professional school they appreciate you choosing the school that fits you and your needs even if it is or is not an ivy league school; then you can truly present yourself to the fullest capacity in the best way possible. Stats are not all that matters.
I really thought someone like you (based on your HS career) would have easily accepted into Ivy League schools, I guess that's not the case then.
that's a big part of why I made this video
thank you so much for this. i applied to stanford rea and im hopeful based on my achievements but i’ve been doom scrolling on reddit and rereading my application i submitted over and over 😭😭 i realize now i’ll be happy at any of my safeties :))
I’m so glad it was helpful! I hope you get into Stanford but if it doesn’t work out best of luck wherever you end up :)
@@mudasirbhat_28 I got rejected but I'm taking it as redirection to a better fit for me :)
@@mudasirbhat_28 I might apply to transfer but I'm applying this year regular decision to five ivy leagues and most UCs. I already got into my safety school so now I wait on my other decisions :)
I remember the admissions process. Very stressful, and draining to your self esteem. Once your actually in college though, you realize that the merit of where you are going doesn't matter at all. I feel way less stressed than in high school. What matters more is enjoying where your going, and exploring a way to make your interests a career.
Edit: It is hard to realize that in high school even though it is obvious.
Thank you so much, I’m getting my ED results for what I believe the be my current “dream school” and all I’ve been doing these past weeks is stressing out and crying. But it makes me feel so much better to hear it from someone who has gone through something similar to me and that it will all be alright. Also I’m 100% guilt of applying to a bunch of colleges and have been trying to cut down and only apply to one’s in Im actually interest in. Thank you!
this is a fantastic video. Im a current medical student. Ive been through competitive admissions processes x2 and am about to go through at least one more. Trust me, this person is spot on. Ivy leaguers are great students who got lottery picked out of the pool of great students. the benefits they get at these institutions are marginal compared to a good state school. the true reward they get are bragging rights. dont stress over bragging rights, the glory fades in a month or two and the shame fades as well. just be happy and safe. the rest is just details. truly
Damn. Imagine taking 13 AP classes, having a 4.0, making an almost perfect SAT score, just to end up at a state school? 😭💔
Accepted applicant’s to top schools share the same statistics of the majority of the applicants rejected. Like emily said, once you break a certain threshold (around +1450, +3.7GPA) the admissions become highly subjective. And many state schools are great! Screw the stigma.
@@Papa_hot State schools are great, and people can be happy and successful going to college there, just like this girl, but the process shouldn't be random and subjective.
The fact is that test scores are by far the best method for admissions, because everything else is more biased and subjective, so that's what should be mostly or exclusively used. At the very least, if a school wants to use something other than SAT/ACT and GPA, like socioeconomic status, then they should have a consistent point allocation formula that applies to everyone, and they should be transparent about the process, so that students know if they can expect to be accepted or not to any particular school.
1560 SAT is right at the top of the interquartile in Stanford and MIT admissions, and yet, this girl was rejected because, I don't know, someone decided she hadn't done a good enough job of bullshitting in her essay and they prioritized filling spots with people whose parents donated to the college. I think the girl in this video focused too much on other students instead of the colleges, which are the real culprit for the problem here.
I had a 4.2 gpa, I had taken 30 ap classes, I was a bit weak in SAT, and I ended up in a satellite sister school of ut Austin, (utsa) , I’m livid. To future people, ap is not worth it
This is why you should only do what you care about in high school. Obviously study hard for standardized tests and keep up a strong GPA. But in terms of extracurriculers, just do what you want. Don't like FBLA? Don't do it. Don't like Mock Trial? Don't do it. Resume padding is pointless if you can't talk about it meaningfully in an interview or essay. Just do what you care about and live a little. You'll have so much more to talk about and show passion for if you do. The people I know who have been the most successful in college admissions are those who go against the grain and just do whatever the hell they want. The people who do the "good" ec's and have perfect grades go to great schools, but never the uber-prestigious ones they want to. Those people then feel like the process was pointless and it was a complete lottery. Just disconnect from it and live your life as if college admissions never existed. Those people are the people I know who get into ivy leagues and those other "lottery" schools.
Love this video!! American college admissions just look so exhausting. Especially when I compare it to my college admission that I did over the internet while in another city on vacation, easy peasy. And I only applied to one because the others were either too far or didn't have my major. I agree. It shouldn't be treated as a make or break thing.
What country do you live in?
Just went through this entire process with my son who is presently a senior in high school. Though he was incredibly fortunate and lucky to be accepted to his ED1 (Ivy) school, we both found the process incredibly draining. He did very well in high school and was qualified for a spot, but so do so many other students like yourself and yet, they do not get in.
Easier said than done, I tell my son to NEVER allow a school, company, institution, or person to have that much power over you. The “power” resides in the individual. ALWAYS. Once again, easier said than done, but whatever YOU want - you will have to go after it relentlessly. There are so many writers whose books were rejected time and time again from “prestigious” publishers, and we would have never known their work if they had decided to abide by those publishers rejection instead of believing that their book was as worthy as any other that had already been published.
Bottom-line: YOU deserve a spot in any Top 10 school. If it ever becomes something you want again, I think you should go for it. I believe you would be accepted. If your happy where you are, and feel it will provide you with the opportunities you want for your future, then stay. YOU have within you every quality required to succeed.
The overarching message is that students should focus on what works best for them, both academically and personally, rather than chasing prestige. Finding a school that supports their individual goals and well-being is far more important than the name on the diploma. This approach can lead to a more fulfilling and less stressful college experience.
Name brand is important for certain industries. A known prestigious college can get you internships on name alone.
Very mature perspective. Even back in the mid-late 80s, college admissions was competitive. I can’t imagine what it’s like nowadays.
Your introduction on how you got wrapped into the whole academic stuff was so much like mines 😩. Very good video
the most sane a2cer I’ve ever seen. great video
Lmao 😂
im so glad someone made this video! honestly my sister tried to apply for gatton (which is a prestigious program in my area) and got stressed out over it by doing the same things you mentioned in this vid. im applying to gatton too and decided to just vibe along with it and not compare myself to other ppl who got accepted.
It makes me so mad that people just want to get into top schools just to vlog and then drop out- taking away from those who want to actually advance themselves academically.
u realize prestige doesnt matter for CS right? Prestige only matters for sales type jobs like ibanking and consulting. If you just grind hackerrank problems you will get the job over other people.
I feel like people need to wake up, the expectations and pressure are so unrealistic for HS students who range from 14 to 18 year old. This is getting out of hand, no wonder why so many HS students are having mental health issues.
As someone who has family that works in admissions and experience in working with schools admissions really shouldn't be something that students should worry about. If you want to go to college, just look for one within your means, try to bring your student debt under control, graduate and get that work experience under your belt right away. Who cares about Ivy Leagues, when you can get a good career from a local college.
From personal experience, the college admissions process toxicity is the fault of our high school's culture of emphasizing "the dream school" versus the school that'll actually work with you. There's so many options out there and I wish we could change our culture to reflect our present reality.
So true. When I took the SAT (1975) all they asked for was two sharp pencils.
Just chill out and go to catholic schools 😎
my last few apps are due in a week, i just want this whole thing to be over, i came into this year with high hopes but i'm so over it now like just let me in anywhere bruh 😭
I remember that feeling. It was around this time last year that I was submitting my MIT app and feeling the most burnt out I ever had been in my life. It got better though. Spring of senior year is super fun
@@emilyisreading_ i’m so glad to hear that!!!!! thank you for letting me know it gets better.
Thank you for explaining the "toxic" culture! Stumbled on all these videos myself while researching masters degree options. Happy New Year!
I relate so much to this. I also started watching The Kath Path in 10th grade, and although I led most of my high school career independently from my wish to get into a big college, this process is honestly breaking me. I sent out all my applications this week. Essays are okay for the most part, but not great. I'll certainly be rejected from everywhere (international students cost money), so it helps to look at it like some twisted lottery. I still feel guilty for dragging my parents into this whole thing, though.
i felt the exact same way as you. im not in america so i didnt apply to any ivy leagues there, but i was aiming to get accepted into the top schools where i live. it was the most stressful moment of my life lol. studytube glorifies these prestigious competitive universities to an absurd amount. i watched a lot of local (as well as western) college reaction videos obsessively. i spent so much time worrying about getting into these schools, but it was literally for nothing. i'll be going to a smaller college later this year and im much happier about it :)
Completely agree with this video. I spent a lot of my life stressing about getting into a good college, especially in high school. I ended up getting into a somewhat prestigious university, but I hated it there. I hated the environment, and I didn't even know what I wanted to do with my life at the time, so I realized that I was just wasting time and money. I dropped out and got a full refund while I still had the chance.
I am now going to a smaller career focused college and am much happier. Going to a prestigious college doesn't mean as much as a lot of people make it out to be, especially if you don't know what you want to do with your life yet. The hard work I did in high school ended up paying off since much of my tuition now is covered, but I wouldn't recommend doing all of that just for the sake of getting into a well-known prestigious college.
I'm a senior right now and I skipped the whole early-action/early-decision and ivy league stuff altogether. i am guilty of applying to a lot of colleges, though... going to a college-prep school makes it really hard to avoid the culture surrounding admissions T_T
@@mudasirbhat_28 i applied for fall 2023
I literally made a Reddit post about being no schooled and a person decided to stalk my entire account and concluded I was a maniac with Multiple personality’s pretending to be homeschooled.
They got an award and 400 upvotes and my post went to 0 ☹️, Reddit is so fucked.
what 😭
average reddit moment
I relate so much to your fear that your concerns are "copium". To be totally frank, the only reason I even want to get in to these prestigious schools is so that I can voice the exact same criticisms as you do without being accused of coping or "mad cuz bad"
Nice video. It is a completely different culture, but what is your take on the Gaokao in China?
fuck that shit
Dude I love your posters!!! Are you applying computer science to remote sensing and planetary science? Cuz that would be cool. Either way awesome dude! How’s the program at your school?
Thanks! Although I haven’t decided exactly what I want to do, working at NASA is one of my dream jobs! I’m thinking of possibly minoring in astronomy or physics. The CS program at my school is good, I like it so far
Don't get burnt out. What is really important is that you find a passion of yours. You are on a good track. We as people only have so much time within a day. The name of the game is leverage. Leverage doing what you enjoy.
Great advice, queen. Those top schools don't deserve you.
As someone applying soon, this is a great message. It's amazing to be excited about a school, and it's good to be ambitious but don't let not getting accepted consume you. Great video!
You are just as intelligent, if not smarter than those that are in the top 10. It’s a lottery and there are so many variables. Your school is great.
Old head here: when I saw the SAT/ACT and application process. I said “F this!” and applied to a JC and enjoyed my senior year 😂😂😂😂
Thank you for this video, it really helps put things into perspective!
Just enjoy your teenage years yall
-harvard grad 2017 lolz
Thank you for making this video. As a current senior, I needed to hear this, it makes me feel so much better
i totally agree with everything in this video - i also think it's important to note that a lot of this stress can come from the people you spend time with. I spent a lot of my junior year with very college-focused friends and i felt the unconscious pressure to go to a school that was impressive to talk about and was soo soo close to early decision-ing to cornell even tho i am totally not a big school person. i'm so grateful that I disconnected from these people over the summer (love them tho!) and was able to actually realize what school was the best fit (going to amherst college next fall ! very excited ! ) thank you for talking about this! hopefully this will come up on some stressed-out seniors' recommended page instead of decision reactions video
You’re such a genuine person. As a current senior from a good high school where everyone is super high achieving, I forgot that I was good on my own. I noticed myself falling into the a2c rabbit hole and I hope I snap out of it because it feels like an addiction where any small validation gives a huge dopamine rush
Stressed out rn but this vid relieved it a bit. Thanks
very well said
Dear Emily, it's refreshing to see a young intelligent lady see through the hype of college admissions. You are spot on with what the process taught you and it is a testament to your level of maturity and self-awareness. My only real-life advice that I hope you take to heart is this - the degree just opens the door to opportunity. The real test is what you accomplish in your field of endeavor and most important, but rarely mentioned, is your likeability factor in the workplace. It seems trivial and trite but it isn't. Most people are not aware of the fact the many fortune 500 ceo's were just average to good students. Very few were Ivy educated or members of phi beta kappa. But they could lead others to work with them and they were respected and well-liked as people. Simple truism that is seldom if ever mentioned to the young. So the best of luck and good fortune to you......
Hey, I just wanted to mention that its your skill which matters. I went to one of the best medical schools in India, and trust me, most people I met didnt love medicine, and nor are they great doctors. Ive met wayy smarter doctors from non brand name universities.
Dude I’m so glad I didn’t get sucked into A2C culture until August of my senior year, it must have sucked dealing with this since sophomore year lol.
I agree with everything you said here, I still haven’t gotten most of my decisions back from the top schools that I applied to but I most likely will end up going to a school where I can get a full ride scholarship for national merit finalist status. It’s not as “prestigious” as some other schools I’ve applied to but it seems like I’d be better off saving a lot of money now that I can use for graduate school, and worry about prestige then.
that's cool! I got a scholarship for national merit finalist as well as a scholarship from my state flagship, tho it wasn't full i ended up going there because it was just so much of a better deal even though I also got into georgia tech which is "more prestigious" . good luck!
I do not want to further my application to go to my dream school. I want to further my application to attend a college with the best prestige/educational effectiveness ratio to give myself the best job opportunities as I graduate from university
Where I’m going to school (Québec), this culture does not exist. University is affordable and high quality, and most programs at the top universities (in a nation of 8.5 million people) have acceptance rates of 100%, provided you satisfy the requirements and the program doesn’t have limited capacity. I have applied to one school because I’m not worried about getting in.
However, I grew up in English Canada, which has a lot of influence from the USA. The “Ivy League” culture isn’t really a thing here, but it’s definitely seen as much more prestigious to go to UofT or UBC. I did fall into the trap of wanting to the most prestigious schools, but I realised that most of the unis in Canada are top 1% worldwide. The way the United States works in terms of post-secondary scares me… that must be so much pressure on the shoulders of 17/18 year olds :/
You are a mature person with great perspective. I hope everyone in high school watches this - it’s balanced and honest and you said it best. You can’t win at everything, so don’t stress. College is a great experience in so many ways and it’s the time of your life no matter where you go as long as you are happy. Thank you and continued success to you!!!
Great advice @10:42
I'm a older student going back to school. I will say I kind of wish I saw this culture when I was in highschool I probably would've gotten done with college when I was supposed to and not just starting in my late 20s.
Though I don't understand the obsession with t20 schools. I know many people who went to ok schools making 6 figures.
Just go to any school do some internships and you'll be good.
This is an amazing video! As someone who relates a lot to comparing myself with others (like my stats, gpa and ec's) I really enjoyed hearing your story going thorugh it and what you learned. I am glad I finished applying to colleges today as a senior so yay! lol
After reading the title I was like: Oh shit I didn't know, did you know that the sky is blue?
I'm two months late but agree entirely. I also got sucked up into the whole college admissions thing. I have this book that I write in every year (a little bit about the year and everything) and I looked at when I was in 5th grade and I said "I wish I were in twelfth grade so I'd almost be in college and my dream is to go to stanford" At 10 years old I was already excited about college. When I got into middle school I wanted to go to only the prestigious schools, in 9th grade I added UCLA to my list of prestigious schools (and it became my dream school for a while-- I'm in CA), then 10th grade I had a list of like 20 schools I wanted to apply to, 11th grade I made that list smaller (and harvard, stanford, or any other private, top, schools wasn't on the list-- I only wanted to apply to UCs/CSUs/Other state schools). Then end of 11th was covid and when I applied to schools, I only applied to CSUs and UCs-- and was really considering community college. I ended up at a UC that I'm at right now and I love it here. I have so many friends and the environment is great and it's close to my home. I really wish I hadn't taken up my entire life stressing about college.
I needed this so much. Thank you
Update: im crying.
People need to get more hobbies. Plus, the culture is basically just another form of cyberbullying.