10%

Too cool for dream school

Dream schools do not exist in my mind because there are too many options for me to choose from. By Dessi Gomez, Staff Writer

By Dessi Gomez

April 17^th, 2016

In Nov. 2015, my family and I took a trip to Indiana and Illinois to look at The University of Notre Dame and Northwestern University. My perspective on college changed drastically after seeing both of these schools, because I learned that dream schools are overrated.

The Golden Dome - Notre Dame's golden dome shines from afar and builds the anticipation of those walking onto campus.

The glint of the Golden Dome caught my eye from a distance as my family and I made our way into Notre Dame‘s campus. I wanted to feel that I could belong there for four years of my life, but that‘s not how I felt.

All that glitters is gold - The dome is even more beautiful up close.

I walked into Notre Dame with many expectations. Unfortunately, not all of these expectations were met and I felt sad that I did not like the school as much as I had hoped I would. I think this happened because I went into the visit with a tainted view. I chose my “dream school“ before I had even visited.

Sophisticated symmetry - Broad paths organize the sprawl of Notre Dame's campus.

I do not deny that Notre Dame is a beautiful school, especially in the fall. The foliage changes color as the trees prepare to lose their leaves, and the brilliant reds, oranges and yellows strengthen autumn’s presence. However its beauty is all I really felt drawn to.

Irish Architecture - Beautiful brick buildings capture the grandeur of Notre Dame.

My uncle is a Notre Dame alum. My mom had never seen the school before and her contagious anticipation swayed my mindset, raising my expectations of Notre Dame. This goes to show that when evaluating a college you have to focus on yourself because at the end of the day you will be the one attending the school for four years, not your parents.

Although you may really want to adopt someone‘s positive opinion about a school, you cannot automatically assume that you will feel the same way. This is one area in life where you cannot just follow the crowd or let others choose for you. You have to think about what you want.

What team? Wildcats! - A uniform marching band, peppy cheerleaders and spirited student section exude purple Northwestern pride.

I did visit Northwestern before I visited Notre Dame, which may have impacted my premature opinion of Notre Dame as I compared it to Northwestern.

Love at first sight? - When I laid eyes on this building, I started to take more interest in Northwestern.

I had a very different experience while touring the Northwestern campus. I arrived at Northwestern with no expectations whatsoever and this contributed to my open mind. It was easier to take in the gorgeous grounds of Wildcat territory.

When I spent my time on Northwestern’s campus, my family and I weren‘t a part of an admissions and campus tour group. We walked around the campus on our own, making it easier for me to form my own opinion without any ambassador‘s bias attitude. My uncle and grandfather had suggested places that we visit in Notre Dame’s campus, so our itinerary was a little bit more rigid. I took my relatives‘ enthusiasm to heart, but again, I was not able to see the campus through their eyes.

For these reasons, I encourage future college applicants to avoid fixation on one school because this limits one’s perspective. Take my example, where I thought that I would love Notre Dame but I actually liked Northwestern better.

Autumn aesthetic - Fall could be felt at Northwestern as well with crisp leaves carried to the ground by a cool breeze.

Wildcat housing - Ivy-clad buildings greet all who walk down Northwestern streets.

Detailed decoration - The McCormick Journalism Center contains Medill School of Journalism along with this creative collage.

Center of attention - Excitement bloomed inside as I gazed in awe at this building.

I also believe that dream schools should not be so worshipped because when so much hope builds up only to be crushed by a denial, we question if it all is even worth it.

Keep an open mind when visiting a college because until you experience it for yourself, you will never truly know how you feel about the school.

Happy place - Perhaps the most breathtaking view at Northwestern was the glassy lake that reflected the clear sky.

Button Label

Story Told With

Start publishing stories like this