Last Updated on June 26, 2024

As you can see from the photo above, I’m 99% sure I’ve decided on what college I want to go to. Of all the schools that I’ve been accepted to, Rutgers seems like the best choice because, for one, it has the best name recognition outside of New Jersey.

Rutgers has a huge alumni network, is filled with countless opportunities, and is pretty affordable for in-state residents. Plus, I’ve heard some of my best friends in the world will be going there too which makes it a little bit more appealing even though I was very anti-Rutgers at first.

I’ve just been scared because my whole thing with college is that I only want to go to a school where I know I would be inspired by intelligent, ambitious, and likable people. Sure, Rutgers will have those party-people but as long as I keep to myself and take challenging courses, I am confident I can find the more academically focused kids too. With such a large student body, I’m sure I’ll find my niche somewhere.

Sure, it’s no “Harvard” but as long as I work hard during my next four years, I can always try aiming for those big-name schools again when I’m applying to graduate school instead. And even if that never pans out… how important is it really? It’s the person that counts, not the school. I just have to stay focused.

By the way, Rutgers Business School has an acceptance rate of 5%!!! That’s crazy! Thank goodness I was accepted. I’m excited!

Deciding on Rutgers: A Journey to Finding My College Fit

As you can see from the photo above, I’m 99% sure I’ve decided on what college I want to go to. Of all the schools that I’ve been accepted to, Rutgers seems like the best choice because, for one, it has the best name recognition outside of New Jersey.

Why Rutgers Stands Out

Name Recognition and Alumni Network

One of the major reasons Rutgers stands out is its name recognition. When considering the value of a college degree, the reputation of the institution can play a significant role in opening doors to future opportunities. Rutgers is well-known not just in New Jersey, but across the country, which can be incredibly beneficial when networking and job hunting after graduation.

Additionally, Rutgers boasts a huge alumni network. This vast network can provide valuable connections, mentorship, and job opportunities. Knowing that there are thousands of alumni who have walked the same halls and are now successful in various fields offers a sense of security and excitement about joining this community.

Opportunities and Affordability

Rutgers is filled with countless opportunities. From academic programs and research projects to internships and extracurricular activities, the university offers a wealth of resources to help students grow and succeed. The chance to get involved in diverse activities and organizations is something I’m particularly looking forward to.

As an in-state resident, Rutgers is also a more affordable option compared to out-of-state or private schools. The combination of a quality education and reasonable tuition fees makes it a smart financial choice. This affordability ensures that I can focus more on my studies and less on the financial burden of college.

Friends and Familiar Faces

I’ve heard that some of my best friends in the world will be going to Rutgers too, which makes it even more appealing. Knowing that I’ll have a support system of familiar faces is comforting, especially since I was very anti-Rutgers at first. The idea of navigating this new chapter of life with friends by my side adds a layer of excitement and reassurance.

Overcoming Initial Reservations

Seeking Inspiration

I’ve been scared because my whole thing with college is that I only want to go to a school where I know I would be inspired by intelligent, ambitious, and likable people. It’s important to me to be surrounded by peers who are driven and passionate about their goals. Initially, I worried that Rutgers might not meet this expectation.

However, I’ve come to realize that every college has a mix of students, including those who are academically focused and motivated. Sure, Rutgers will have those party-people, but as long as I keep to myself and take challenging courses, I am confident I can find the more academically focused kids too. With such a large student body, I’m sure I’ll find my niche somewhere.

Aiming High

Sure, it’s no “Harvard,” but as long as I work hard during my next four years, I can always try aiming for those big-name schools again when I’m applying to graduate school instead. This realization has helped me shift my perspective. Even if attending a prestigious Ivy League school doesn’t happen right now, it doesn’t mean it’s out of reach forever. And even if that never pans out, how important is it really? It’s the person that counts, not the school. I just have to stay focused and make the most of the opportunities I have.

The Excitement of Acceptance

By the way, Rutgers Business School has an acceptance rate of 5%!!! That’s crazy! Thank goodness I was accepted. This acceptance has filled me with excitement and a sense of accomplishment. Being part of such a competitive program is a testament to my hard work and dedication, and it reinforces my decision to choose Rutgers.

Looking Forward to the Future

As I look forward to starting this new chapter at Rutgers, I feel a mix of excitement and anticipation. The journey to deciding on Rutgers wasn’t straightforward, but I’m confident in my choice. The combination of a strong reputation, abundant opportunities, affordability, and the presence of friends makes it the right fit for me.

I’m ready to dive into my studies, meet new people, and explore all that Rutgers has to offer. This decision marks the beginning of an exciting adventure, and I’m eager to see where it takes me. Whether it’s through challenging coursework, engaging extracurriculars, or building lifelong friendships, I know Rutgers will provide a foundation for a bright future.