A recent civil suit caused UC Berkeley to cut their admissions for the upcoming school year by 3,000 students, as there is not enough room in the Berkeley area to expand.
And while this decision mainly affects high school applicants, it made me start thinking about college culture, and how a degree is beginning to be a prerequisite for any decent-paying job. College is supposed to be a time when you can explore your passions and find out who you are and what you want to do with your life. Getting a degree is supposed to open up a new world of opportunities and lead you toward your passion.
But, because of the competitive college culture and the increasing need for a graduate degree to be more marketable in the workforce, the purpose of college is changing. Students are forced to keep up with the hustle and bustle at an even higher rate than they did in high school just to remain on track to get a high-paying job.
Pre-med tracks are incredibly rigorous, and to even be considered for law school you need a near-perfect GPA. Admissions for these post-undergrad programs are getting more and more competitive. But the toll is taken on us, the students. It creates increased competition that is hard to keep up with. Taking your classes and getting a 4.0 isn’t enough. You need clubs, volunteer work, internship experience, research and letters of recommendation. All this, and you have to remember you are going up against the top students across college campuses.
This can be incredibly draining on the mental health of a college student. Classes become significantly harder once you are in college, and it can be a tumultuous balancing act trying to keep a healthy social life, physical health and career development.
For my fellow college students, just know that you are not alone! It can be an incredibly stressful time and being at a big university fuels feelings of imposter syndrome. It is so important to remember that you got accepted into this school for a reason. You are bright, intelligent and hardworking, which will get you far in life.
Getting a bad grade can feel crippling, but it is also important to remember that though these graduate schools are stressful to get into, they look at more than just grades alone! Your internship and work experience could make all the difference for your chances of getting accepted. Also, many graduate schools require a personal statement, which gives you a space to let your personality shine! These applications are holistic, and while it may feel like you are lacking in one space, you have room to make up for it in another.
So, although these admissions are getting harder, it does not mean you cannot succeed. Apply and if all else fails, apply again! But, that being said, don’t sacrifice your college experience for the sake of a grade. You can go out with your friends to dinner for just one night. College life is a balancing act, but you are going to kill it.