
Why the Top Scorer Kept Failing
Chapter 1
I'm on track to be a top student, but I end up taking the SAT twice. The first time, I score high enough to get into Westbridge University. The second time, my score qualifies me for Northfield University.
Each time, I score over 1500. Yet when the admissions teams see my name, not a single school admits me.
At first, I think it must be some kind of background check, certain they've found something in my record.
But my parents are honest, hardworking people. They've never broken the law. They wouldn't even harm a fly.
So I try a third time. My SAT score is 1590, and my GPA is still perfect. This time, I apply to Crestwood University, thinking I finally have it in the bag.
The Crestwood University admissions officer arrives full of cheer, but the moment he sees my name, he freezes, immediately realizing there is no way I will be accepted.
I rack my brain, trying to figure out what is wrong with my name. Why does seeing it make every school hesitate, even though my scores are perfect?
"Chloe Chesson, we know you're the top student this year, but we can't admit you to Crestwood University. No school would take a student like you."
The admissions officer from Crestwood University checked my information right in front of me, then finally shook his head.
All my excitement drained away, and I felt completely helpless.
I had to know why. My voice shook as I asked, "Why can't you admit me? I'm the top student! What's the problem?"
The officer just gave me a cold, fleeting glance. "No school would ever take a student like you."
I tried to make sense of his words, but no matter how hard I thought, I couldn't understand them.
Crushed, I collapsed to the floor. Trembling, I covered my head and cried uncontrollably.
My mind was filled with questions. Why, after topping the SAT three times, would no school accept me?
The first time I took the SAT, I scored 1570. I applied to Westbridge University, confident I would get in.
I waited anxiously for the acceptance letter, only to receive a rejection. I refused to believe it and called the admissions office.
But the moment the official heard my name, they didn't even bother checking further and replied matter-of-factly, "We won't accept you."
After a year of preparation, I retook the SAT and scored 1580. This time, I applied to Northfield University.
I assumed there was no way I could be rejected again.
But the result was the same. I was denied once more.
When I called the admissions office to ask for an explanation, the response was exactly like before. The moment they heard my name, they wouldn't even consider me.
I couldn't understand it. My scores improved every time. Why wouldn't Westbridge University or Northfield University admit me?
At first, I thought there might be an issue with my background check. I even looked into my parents' records.
But everything came back clean. Three generations of my family had no criminal history.
Besides, my parents were honest, hardworking factory workers who wouldn't hurt a soul.
I couldn't find the reason, but I refused to give up. So I took the SAT a third time.
This time, I scored 1590, once again becoming the top student.
Remembering my past experiences, I didn't apply to Westbridge University or Northfield University. Instead, I chose Crestwood University.
With that score, I should have been a shoo-in.
When the Crestwood University admissions officer called me in for an interview, I was confident. I thought, "This is it. Finally, I'll get in."
But then he dropped the bomb.
The moment he saw my name, he froze. Then he said without hesitation, "Crestwood University can't admit you."
Once again, I was rejected.
After failing three times, I felt utterly hopeless.
My parents watched me sob uncontrollably, and tears welled up in their own eyes.
"How can this be? My daughter is the top student! How could she not get in?"
Even they couldn't believe it.