When I was in high school, I had this idea that going to an Ivy League school was reserved for the best and brightest students and that those who attended "normal" universities would not be successful. I had a desire to attend an Ivy League for the simple fact that I didn't want to be one of those students destined for normalcy. The way I now view this subject is completely different and I am proud that my view has changed.

Selecting a university to attend is not as easy as people may think if they never attended university or have not reached that age yet. There are many things to take into consideration when choosing a college: location, cost, 'right fit,' familiarity, and, of course, prestige. Although prestige can play a role in where you choose to attend college, I don't believe it should be the only factor that people focus on when choosing the college they will spend their undergraduate years at.

When I was a senior, I decided to apply to one Ivy League institution in hopes that I would be able to secure a spot at one of the best universities in the country. While this may seem like a wonderful plan, I was not even mildly interested in the university (or the majors that it offered)--I just wanted to attend an Ivy League school. That being said, I certainly do not regret applying to this institution because this experience taught me many important life lessons, two of which I will touch upon.

First, I learned that where you go to college does not determine how successful you are. In fact, I firmly believe that the university you attend is just the 'vehicle' used to get you from one place to the other, and the 'driver' is you, the one who ultimately makes the decisions that will get you where you want to be.

Second, I learned that prestigious universities are not the only places where you can get a wonderful education. I currently attend University of Louisiana at Monroe and I could not be happier with the choice that I made. There are endless opportunities here, wonderful professors, and friendly students who genuinely love their university and have school spirit like I never thought was possible.

While I still remember the day when I was rejected from that Ivy League institution and the little pain I felt in my stomach upon seeing that rejection letter, I know that the choice I made was the right one for me. For many, the right choice will be that Ivy League school, and there is absolutely nothing wrong with that.

There is a school out there for everyone. It is just a matter of finding it.