The idea of getting into college seems to have been twisted in the minds of New Trier students. This constant thought that if you fail a test, miss a few assignments, fail a class or (god forbid! ;]) don't take all level 4's, then you won't get into college or a good college is absolutely ridiculous. Having one of these "problems" does in no way guarantee your acceptance at a college. This includes the other way around. Passing a class with flying colors does not guarantee getting into your top school. The stress on getting into an elite school is one that is extremely exaggerated at our school. Coming from Waldorf, a small private school in Chicago, I got a different perspective on academics and college admissions. It's not about getting into Harvard or Yale or even Madison or Indiana. It's about going somewhere that you love. Somewhere that has a good department for what you are interested in. Somewhere where you feel comfortable. Getting into any college is an accomplishment. Sure, it's okay to be disappointed when you don't get accepted somewhere. But remember that this is not because your dog ate your French homework that one Thursday morning.
Yes, your grades are a large part of applications and acceptance. But also, the college you go to or don't go to does not determine the rest of your life. Remember, being able to say that you have a college education at all is more than most people in the world can do.
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