When Reality Crushes Your Dream School: Lynn's Story

Lynn and her parents, both Ivy grads, believed a small, prestigious liberal arts college was the best path for her future. However, they didn’t fully consider the financial reality or whether these schools actually provided the right support for Lynn’s academic, social, and mental well-being.

When visiting campuses, admissions officers warmly encouraged her to apply, assuring her that financial aid would make her dream schools affordable. These interactions created a strong emotional attachment, making it difficult for Lynn to consider other options—even though her grades and test scores were below the typical accepted student profile.

Reality Hits Hard

Despite her excitement, each of Lynn’s top-choices either rejected her application or accepted her but didn't offer her nearly enough financial aid to make attendance possible. The costs were simply too high.

Facing limited options, Lynn reluctantly applied to schools Cogi had recommended—public and private colleges that aligned better with her academic, social, and financial context. To her surprise, she received multiple acceptances with strong institutional aid packages.

The Unexpected Happens

Among her acceptances, a nearby public university stood out. It was affordable, close enough for her to visit home when needed, and provided reasonable academic and social support. She remained skeptical but by the end of her first semester, Lynn's perspective had completely changed.

During her first semester, she:

  • found a counselor and other staff who provided a strong campus support system for her identity and mental health.

  • developed close friendships with other students that challenged and supported her in a safe way.

  • discovered she enjoyed talking with faculty and found a sense of curiosity and interest in learning she'd never felt before

  • Strengthened her confidence and independence by accessing her supports and overcoming the challenges she faced, proving that it's not prestige that makes a school great, but how students are supported to succeed within them.

Cogi InSight

Lynn’s story shows why it’s crucial to balance aspirations with financial and academic realities. A school’s prestige doesn’t guarantee success, but environmental fit with the right supports can lead to unexpected growth, confidence, and success.