Does my #WeBelongInCollege story have to be a video?

 

No. You can share your story as a video or as a written post. If you choose to share a written post, it would be awesome if you would post it alongside a picture of yourself holding up a sign with the #WeBelongInCollege hashtag. But if you don’t want to include your photo, that is absolutely fine!

 

How long should my #WeBelongInCollege post be?

 

There is no time or word limit for your post, but do keep in mind that it helps to keep your post relatively short. Short posts are more likely to be viewed or read in full and are much easier to post on social media platforms like Instagram, Twitter, etc. Posts under 2 minutes or one page are recommended.

 

Do you have any technical tips for making a video post?

 

Yes! If you are using your phone, hold it horizontally instead of vertically. Try to hold the phone steady or rest it somewhere so that it is not shaky. Make sure you are in a quiet place and that there is enough light on your face so the video is not too grainy. Start by making a very short video and watching it first, and make any necessary adjustments after checking the visual and sound quality of your recording.

 

How many #WeBelongInCollege stories can I share?

 

There is no limit to the number of #WeBelongInCollege stories you can share. You can make as many posts as you’d like, but have each post be about one story or one type of challenge you faced.

 

Can I make a #WeBelongInCollege story if I have not yet started the college application process?

 

Yes! You can’t go to college if you don’t first complete middle school and high school. Too often, students who encounter problems in middle and high school start to question if they belong in college. It is just as important for students in middle and high school to know that they are not alone. We ALL struggle, and struggling doesn’t mean that we don’t belong in college. Students who have not yet started the college application process can tell a story about a time when they struggled in middle or high school. Other students will be able to benefit from your story when they encounter similar challenges.

 

Can I make a #WeBelongInCollege story if I am not even sure if I want to go to college?

 

Yes, please! One of the many struggles students face is deciding whether or not to go to college. Figuring out what to do after high school is tough. If you are trying to figure out what path to take after high school, sharing your story can help others who are in the same situation.

 

Can I make a #WeBelongInCollege story about a challenge I am currently dealing with, even if I haven’t yet figured out how to handle it?

 

Definitely! You can absolutely share a story about a challenge you are currently confronting even if you are still in the process of figuring out how to handle it. Students in similar situations will benefit from knowing that others are encountering similar challenges and from hearing how you have tried to deal with it – even if some of the strategies you have tried haven’t worked. Sharing these kinds of stories also shed light on systemic problems that are often too difficult for one person to address on their own.

 

Can I make a #WeBelongInCollege story if I am attending or planning on attending a vocational training program after high school?

 

Absolutely, and in fact, it would be incredibly helpful for other students if you do. College isn’t for everyone (although we believe that students should be able to go to college if they think it’s the right path for them). You can definitely share your story about the challenges you have faced and overcome while applying to or attending a vocational training program.

 

What if I can’t come up with an idea for a #WeBelongInCollege story?

 

For inspiration and ideas, go to the #WeBelongInCollege website to watch #WeBelongInCollege Example Stories for inspiration.

 

Here is a list of questions that will help you create your post:

 

Have any of the following ever gotten in the way of your college process:

• Money problems

• Family obligations

• How you feel about yourself

• Procrastination

• Your mental health

• Standardized, high stakes tests (SAT, Regents, ACT, AP, etc.)

• Language barriers

• Bias based on your personal identity (gender, race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, abilities)

• Where you live

• Limited academic opportunities and resources at your high school or in your community

• A disability that was not appropriately accommodated

• Friends and/or family

• The culture at your high school, community or home/family

• People’s judgments

 

If you have any additional questions, you can email us.