The college application process may seem daunting, but support and preparation can help. Watch these #WeBelongInCollege stories to learn how these students dealt with feeling unprepared for college and how they persisted.

Abigail’s #WeBelongInCollege Story

Abigail compared herself to other students who were doing more than her, like sports, school, part-time jobs, and more. She questioned why a college board would ever pick her over any of these other students. Thanks to her mom, Abigail found confidence in herself and noted that it’s okay to struggle and show your human side.

Anaya’s #WeBelongInCollege Story

Growing up, Anaya constantly compared herself to other people which led to her questioning whether she should apply to college. She felt as if she wasn’t smart or creative enough for college. One day, she came to a realization that everyone is unique and special in their own way, and you should love and respect yourself, instead of comparing yourself to them.

Anistyn’s #WeBelongInCollege Story

Anistyn started to doubt if college was for her when she realized that all her friends were already applying to colleges while she had barely started. Feeling stressed and behind, Anistyn proceeded to talk to her friends and ask for help, only to find out that a lot of them were in the same situation as she was. This helped Anistyn rebuild confidence in herself and apply to multiple colleges!

Karoline’s #WeBelongInCollege Story

During her senior year of high school, Karoline was told she needed pass a standardized geometry test (a subject she had never taken) in order to graduate. When she failed the test, she started to question if she belonged in college. Listen to her story about how she persisted and made it to college!

Sebastian’s #WeBelongInCollege Story

When Sebastian compared his grades and test scores to his peers who were getting into college, he started to question whether he belonged. His family and friends believed in him, and thanks to their support, he too came to believe that he does belong in college.

Tiana’s #WeBelongInCollege Story

Tiana lost confidence and came very close to giving up when she compared herself to students who were getting into competitive colleges. She decided to stop comparing herself to others. Instead, she reminded herself that she was smart, had great potential, and deserved to go to college just like anyone else.

Maria’s #WeBelongInCollege Story

Despite feeling strong pressure to become the first in her family to attend college, Maria questioned whether she belonged. She wasn’t sure how she would be able to pay for college, given her immigration status. It was when she saw that she wasn’t alone, and so many other undocumented students were also enrolling, that she knew she belonged in college.

Austin’s #WeBelongInCollege Story

After comparing his SAT scores and GPA to his other classmates, Austin started to question if he belonged in college. After joining a youth development program, he had the chance to meet successful professionals. He learned they had also once questioned if they belonged, and then realized what he needed to do to succeed.

Emily’s #WeBelongInCollege Story

Emily’s dream from a young age was to be a registered nurse, but it felt hard to achieve as she struggled in the foster care system. She experienced homelessness and hunger. In her story, she explains how she came to realize that it was possible and that she most definitely belonged in college.

Watch more #WeBelongInCollege stories here!