Brenna - Iowa State University - Class of 2015

I applied to five different schools, all public colleges. I decided to go with public schools because the tuition is lower and they tend to have the big student populations that I love. They all were within a 200-mile radius from my home town, since that is close enough for a weekend visit but far enough away for me to feel independent.

A discouraging word from my top choice

I was convinced that I would attend my top choice, the main campus of the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, as a business major. I had grown up hearing nothing but praise for that school, although to this day I am not exactly sure why I wanted it so much. After applying early and waiting for months, I was devastated when they sent me a letter saying that I should check out their other campuses! I took that letter to mean I would not get accepted to the Twin Cities campus.

What a difference a college tour makes

I decided to take matters into my own hands. I set out on a tour of the schools I had been accepted to. One day at Iowa State University changed everything! After learning about this amazing major and seeing the beautiful campus and friendly people, I was sold. I went from being an unlikely business major at the University of Minnesota to an actual apparel merchandising major at Iowa State. I have always been very passionate about business and fashion, and this major is the perfect fusion of both. Students in apparel merchandising learn how to manufacture, buy, promote, and sell fashion items, from clothing and jewelry to cosmetics and furniture.

It just shows you that everything happens for a reason. Because I got so discouraged about University of Minnesota, I found my true dream school.

My ups and downs

The minute I stepped onto the Iowa State campus I had that giddy feeling—the one you get when you know it is the school for you. Eventually, I was accepted to the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, but not as a business major. When I heard this news, I simply felt relieved. It was just another indicator that the school was not for me.

What I learned

I should have kept an open mind and reminded myself that I was not trying to get into the "best" school. I was trying to find the school that is best for me. When I thought I would not get into my top choice, I toured new schools and followed my heart! I am now pursuing a major that I am really passionate about. I am so excited to start in the fall!

The money factor

The cost of attendance for an out-of-state student at Iowa State is about $30,000. I was awarded a work-study job for $2,500 and $16,000 in grants and scholarships. To cover the rest, I will take out loans and work during the summers to earn money.