My college rejected my application! Now what?

"My first choice college rejected me! Now what do I do?"

Some would say to go down your list and try for the next favored school, and if that's the only way you think you can fulfill your career plans, it may be the best advice. There's a college, somewhere, that will take you. Any college grad will tell you that every college offers the same basic degrees of education, psychology, business, math, chemistry, communications, etc. But with elite schools, you just pay more for those common degrees. You'll still need higher education beyond undergrad, so don't worry about getting into the elitist undergrad school. Going to a "chosen school" for a common degree is a move that will get you into deeper debt than necessary, but not necessarily more recognition. If you have chosen a highly selective degree and you can't get into the few schools that offer that degree ( highly unlikely scenario for undergrads), think through your plan again. There's never only one way to reach one's goals.

If you are thinking that the right college is the only way to success, or that going to college is the only way to be successful, please know that those messages are lies perpetrated by big colleges all over the world.

Yes, I said they are lies.

And be forewarned: If you, or your college-aged child believe these lies, then the chances of going through to graduation at a college you deem as "less than" or "not as good," are slim. Very slim. Drop-outs are high, and failures are rampant with students who believe that they are at the wrong college, or not the very best college.

And, if you or your college-aged child are thinking "Only losers don't go to college." You are dead wrong. The only losers are the ones who start anything with an attitude of snobbery, whether it be college, employment, a business, or volunteering. Everything, EVERYTHING is an opportunity to learn, grow, give back, thrive, and become more. And, remember, college is always there, waiting to take your tuition-anytime, still teaching what they've always taught.

Suppose college isn't right, or you can't get into the "ONE" you want. You still have lots of great choices. Go a different direction and pursue success on an alternate path.

Should you decide that 4-8 years of college is way too long for you to achieve your goals, or if you decide that you want to start earning a serious income and learn on the job within a few months, let's talk . Owning a turn-key business, is not anything like "the college experience" or "dorm-life" (we've lately seen that those college experiences aren't exactly desirable or worth the debt they incur, anyway) Owning a turn-key business DOES offer business education, life experience, camaraderie, and a great opportunity to earn a real living within months. Yes, it is an investment, but usually far less than 4-8 years of college. You'll open your business doors and start earning an income within a few months.

Remember, you can always go to college and pick up what you'd like to learn while you run a lucrative, successful business! Especially now that we live in in the remote-learning age. Anything is possible!

Never sell yourself short. If your chosen path rejects you, it wasn't your intended path after all. There's a better way for you. So, keep your ears and eyes open for opportunities. Don't assume the path that the majority of your friends are taking is a good path, or the right path for you. While they are incurring debt and wondering if there's a job out there for them, you could be opening your doors of business and building an empire. (no exaggeration) We in the franchise world have seen this done over and over again where young adults in their 20's create a successful business in the franchise world, because....why not?

If the ideas that I've presented here interest you, contact me to learn more .

Gloria Spielman is a franchisee herself with The Entrepreneur's Source , helping those who want to explore alternatives to the age-old career path. Whether it be a new path away from an old career, or a fresh path altogether, or a diversification of investments, turn-key businesses are a solid way to invest in yourself, in others, in your community, and to make a real difference for you and your family. Contact Gloria and get started with a short info-gathering conversation. All services are at no cost and no sales pressure.