First choice turned you down? Why it's not the end

Many high school students have a first choice school that they'd love to go to. In reality though, many colleges are much more expensive and tougher to get into than you may have anticipated. For example, it's much more expensive to go to college out of state without loans or scholarships. So the college that's more affordable for your family and easier for you to get into may override the more appealing school. 

You may be let down or disappointed at first, but it's important to realize that college is a wonderful opportunity and not to be taken for granted. Being able to go to college at all is something many people dream about doing, but just can't manage it. So first of all, be grateful you can go at all.

Give it a chance

Also, any college, not just your first choice of school, offers great opportunities and is a great place to start out. After a semester or two you may realize you may really like the school you're attending even if it wasn't your first choice school! If you decide you don't want to be there, you can always transfer to another college once you "get your foot in the door," and get a few credits at your first school.

Finally, like any opportunity, college is what you make it. Successful people come from all different colleges. So get in, get started, and do as well as you can.