It’s that time—college acceptance letters are rolling in. Maybe you got into your dream school, only to be shocked by the financial aid package. Or perhaps that highly selective top 50 college you had your heart set on sent you the dreaded “We regret to inform you…” email.

Take a deep breath. Not getting into your dream school isn’t the end of your story—it might just be the start of an even better one.

Moving Forward

It’s okay to feel disappointed if your dream school didn’t work out, but don’t let that disappointment overshadow the great opportunities in front of you. The reality is, you now have an important choice to make—picking the best college from the ones that said ‘yes’. Many students discover that their second or even third-choice school ends up being the perfect fit.

What matters now is choosing a college where you’ll thrive academically, socially, and financially. Let’s take a closer look at how to compare your options and make the best decision.

How to Compare Colleges and Pick the Best One

If you’ve been accepted to multiple colleges, deciding where to go can feel overwhelming. But this is your chance to look beyond rankings and focus on what truly matters for your education and future. Here’s how to evaluate your options:

Look at academic programs
Does the school offer strong programs in your major? Do they have research opportunities, internships, or career support? Another key factor is access to professors. Look for colleges where professors are approachable, and student support is strong. Having access to faculty can open doors to mentorship, networking, and research opportunities. The connections you build with professors can shape your academic experience and career path—sometimes even more than the name of the school on your diploma.

Explore campus culture
Take a second look at the colleges you were accepted to or the ones you can afford, even if it's not your dream school. If you can, revisit campus or do a virtual tour with fresh eyes. Do you see yourself thriving in a big, energetic school with nonstop events, or would you feel more at home in a smaller, tight-knit community? Explore student organizations, dorm life, and campus diversity to make sure it's a place where you'll feel comfortable and supported.

Evaluate the location
Would you prefer to stay close to home, live in a city with strong job prospects, or enjoy a place with milder weather (yes, that matters!)? Location can impact your college experience and future opportunities.

Align with your long-term goals
Consider colleges that will set you up for success after graduation. How strong is their alum network? What about the career services? Think beyond the next four years.

Comparing Financial Aid Packages

Not all financial aid offers are created equal. Before making a final decision, compare your financial aid offers carefully:

• Look beyond the sticker price. The most expensive school on paper might actually cost less after grants and scholarships.
• Separate free money from loans. Grants and scholarships don't have to be repaid. Loans do—so pay attention to how much debt you'd need to take on.
• Check the fine print. It is important to review each scholarship requirement. Some have specific GPA requirements to renew each year, while some scholarships are a one-off for freshman year. Others might not cover housing or fees. Read the details carefully.
• Ask for more aid. Yes, you can negotiate! If a school gave you less than expected, politely ask if they can reconsider based on financial need, new expenses, or competing offers.

Use a financial aid comparison tool to see your true cost. Whatever you do, don't twist yourself into a pretzel to send your child to a college you could brag about or think your child will have an advantage. It's not worth the financial stress!

>>RELATED: 5 TIPS TO WIN YOUR FINANCIAL AID APPEAL

You Are More Than a College Name

Getting into a top-ranked school sounds great, but guess what? You can still be successful without a brand-name college on your diploma. While some Wall Street firms and elite consulting companies favor Ivy League and top 50 graduates, most industries care far more about your skills, experience, and work ethic than the name of your school.

Tech companies, healthcare organizations, startups, and major corporations focus on what you bring to the table—your problem-solving skills, adaptability, and hands-on experience. Employers want to know:

• What internships, research, or projects have you completed?
• How well do you communicate and collaborate?
• Can you think critically and solve real-world problems?
• Can you code?

Plenty of successful people didn’t attend a top 50 college. Howard Schultz, former CEO of Starbucks, went to Northern Michigan University before building a global brand. Oprah Winfrey got her start at Tennessee State University, an HBCU, before becoming a media powerhouse. Bestselling author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie studied at Eastern Connecticut State University before making her mark in literature.

If your dream school is out of reach financially or you need to take a different path, focus on making the most of where you are. Build relationships, gain experience, and seize opportunities. Because in the end, what you do matters far more than where you do it.

>>RELATED: HOW TO CHOOSE AN AFFORDABLE COLLEGE

Build Your Own Network

Attending a big-name school might give students access to a well-established alumni network, but that doesn’t mean you can’t build the same kind of powerful connections wherever you go. Networking isn’t just about who you know—it’s about who knows you and the value you bring to the table.

Start by getting involved on campus. Join student organizations, professional clubs, or leadership programs that align with your career interests. These groups can introduce you to like-minded peers, faculty mentors, and industry professionals who can open doors to internships and job opportunities. If your college has networking events, career fairs, or alumni meetups, take advantage of them—you never know when a conversation might lead to an opportunity.

Find mentors early. Your professors, advisors, and even guest speakers in your classes can become valuable connections. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, seek advice, and follow up with professionals you admire. A simple email or LinkedIn message thanking someone for their time can help you stand out and keep the relationship going.

Internships are game-changers. Many students land full-time jobs through internship experiences, and even if an internship doesn’t turn into a job offer, it builds your resume, skills, and network. Use your college’s career center to find internships and job shadowing opportunities, and don’t hesitate to reach out directly to companies you're interested in.

Even if your school isn’t known for its alumni network, you can still create your own by being proactive and building relationships. Success isn’t about the name of your college—it’s about how well you connect, learn, and leverage the opportunities around you.

The “Perfect” School Is the One Where You Thrive

The best college isn't the one with the fanciest name—it's the one where you grow, make the most of opportunities, and come out ready to take on the world. Plenty of successful people didn't go to top-ranked schools, and they're doing just fine.

So, whether you're choosing an affordable option, starting at community college, or attending a school you hadn't considered before, you are in control of your future. Success isn't just about where you go—it's about how well you use the opportunities around you.

And hey, ten years from now, nobody will care where you went to school, they'll care about what you bring to the table. So not getting into your dream school could still set you up for great things.