I got into my dream school, one of the most selective prep schools in the country. This is my story.

I live close to one of the most selective college prep high schools in the United States. As a kid, my parents would drive past this school and I’d be in awe of the sprawling campus and large, brick buildings. I always hoped one day that I too would be a student at this school. Fast forward a few years and I forgot all about my dream and was content with attending my local high school. Then COVID happened. The bubble I lived in came crashing down as the world shut down and I became bored with the monotony of remote learning. Suddenly, I realized that I needed a new environment, one where I could feel academically and socially stimulated. On a whim, I decided to apply to my dream school, figuring that even though I’d probably get rejected, I could at least say I tried.

Like any student, I was nervous. I wanted so badly to get in and didn’t think I could. Besides the fact that I didn’t have a résumé glittering with accomplishments and therefore my chances were slim, I would need financial aid to be able to go. With all these odds stacked against me, I was sure it was impossible.

And then I used The Secret. I tried my hardest not to think about rejection. Although I couldn’t imagine an acceptance letter, I could imagine strolling through the campus and jogging to my classes. So that’s what I focused on. I focused on imagining myself at the school. I repeated positive affirmations each night in front of the mirror, saying, “I belong at that school and I will get in.”

And somehow, something happened. The standardized exam I took for admissions ended up being oddly easy, despite the fact that I hadn’t rigorously studied for it. I ended up scoring nearly a 100 on two sections and got high scores on the others. My admissions essays ended up being some of the best pieces of work I had ever written in my life. In fact, I wrote about The Secret and its impact on my life in one of them. As I continued to ask and progress through the admissions cycle, I suddenly realized that I could not go back to my local high school. I didn’t see myself there. There was no turning back.

There were certainly bumps along the way but no matter what, my vision of myself at my dream school remained unwavering. I felt a deep, emotional connection to this school.

Then came ‘Decision Day’. The night before, as I slept, I had two dreams. Each one involved me getting accepted. I sincerely believed this was a sign from the Universe.

On Decision Day, I opened my application portal unsure of what to expect, and then confetti rained down my screen! I had been accepted into my dream school against all odds. Best of all, I had gotten enough financial aid that I was able to attend. It was truly a dream come true. As I later found out, my class year ended up having the most selective acceptance rate in years.

As I look back, I realize that everything I have truly manifested in my life has come true whether it was getting into my dream high school or anything else. Thank you so much to The Secret for changing my life, and thank you so much to Rhonda for bringing it into the world and making it accessible for all!