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

Contents

1. Reasons you might feel done for with college (but you’re not)
2. My grades and test scores aren’t great
3. I don’t have the money for tuition
4. I didn’t join enough extracurriculars
5. I missed deadlines or didn’t apply to any schools
6. You’re not out of options! There’s still hope
7. Make smarter college choices with Appily

Picture this: You’re deep into your senior year of high school. Graduation is finally in sight, and you’re gearing up for the next chapter of your life. But there’s one big hurdle—college. Maybe things didn’t go as planned, and now you feel like your chances are totally burnt to a crisp.

If that’s how you feel, you’re not alone. Plenty of high schoolers worry that college is suddenly out of reach for different reasons—and now they’re scrambling for a backup plan.

Sure, the road might be a little bumpy, but college is still possible if you’re willing to put in the work.

Reasons you might feel done for with college (but you’re not)

If college feels impossible right now, here’s the truth: It’s not. Let’s go over the most common reasons you might think you’re cooked—and how you can fix things.

My grades and test scores aren’t great

Let’s be real—grades and test scores do matter in admissions. But you don’t need a perfect 4.0 GPA or a sky-high ACT score to get into college.

If your grades or test scores aren’t the strongest, here’s what you can do:

• Look into open-admissions schools: Some colleges have open enrollment, meaning if you meet basic requirements (like having a high school diploma), you’re in—no matter your grades or test scores.
• Start at a community college: A four-year university might be the dream, but there’s nothing wrong with beginning at a two-year community college. These schools usually accept students regardless of grades or test scores. And if you’re still aiming for a four-year degree, you can transfer credits later—just make sure your advisor knows your plan so they can help you pick the right classes.
• Be upfront in your personal essay: Use your essay to address lower grades or scores. Instead of making excuses, talk about what you’ve learned and how you’ve grown—show them why you’re still a great fit.

I don’t have the money for tuition

College is expensive, and taking out a ton of loans isn’t ideal. But believe it or not, there’s plenty of free money out there for college—you just have to go after it.

Start by filling out the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). This determines if you qualify for grants, scholarships, work-study programs, or loans. If you’re eligible, you’ll get an award letter breaking down your financial aid options.

Don’t skip scholarships, either. Many schools offer merit-based or program-specific scholarships—just reach out to the program to learn more. There are also scholarship databases where you can search for awards that match your background and goals.

Oh, and did you know some colleges are tuition-free? There are 17 across the U.S., though some require you to work on campus in return. Others waive tuition if your family’s income is below a certain level.

I didn’t join enough extracurriculars

We get it—maybe sports or clubs weren’t your thing. That’s totally fine! A lack of extracurriculars isn’t always a deal-breaker.

Instead, highlight other experiences like:

• Volunteering
• Part-time jobs
• Family responsibilities
• Personal projects

These can be just as meaningful as being on a team or in an honors society.

I missed deadlines or didn’t apply to any schools

Most college deadlines hit in November, with decisions coming out in January. It’s easy to lose track—or maybe you changed your mind about applying. Either way, it’s not too late!

Some schools have rolling admissions, meaning they review applications as they come in. Others have deadlines in February or later, giving you extra time.

And hey, you don’t have to start in the fall. Applying for the next semester or even the next year is always an option.

You’re not out of options! There’s still hope

Seeing classmates with their “perfect” college plans can be tough. But getting into college isn’t always smooth sailing—there are always bumps along the way. Start working on these tips, and you’ll be on your way to success.

Make smarter college choices with Appily

Ready to explore your options? With a free Appily account, you can search our huge database of colleges and discover schools you might’ve overlooked. You can even check your chances of getting in with our acceptance calculator. Just click the button below to get started—it’s always free and super easy to use.