It was a warm April day when a big fat envelope came
in the mail from the only college I had ever imagined attending. I tore open
the packet. My eyes were fixed on the word “congratulations. ”I don’t remember
ever smiling so wide.
Then I looked at my financial(财政的)package.
The cost of Dream School’s tuition(学费), room and board was around $ 40,000- an impossible
sum! How could I afford to attend? What good reasons did I have to go there
when three other fine colleges were offering me free tuition? My other choices
were good, solid schools even if they weren’t as famous as my first choice.
In my mind, attending my dream university would be the
only way to realize my dream of becoming a world-class writer. My parents
understood how I felt. They told me that even though it would be a financial
problem, I could go wherever I would be happiest. But as I was always careful
with money, I wasn’t sure what to do.
One of the schools that offered me a full ride
had an informational dinner one night in the spring. Considering my parents’
financial difficulties, I decided to drive the 45 minutes and attend. At first,
all I had planned to do was smile politely, eat free food, listen quietly. But
I surprised myself.
At dinner the president of the university talked about
the wonderful activities on campus (校园)including
guest lectures and social gatherings. He also made it perfectly clear that free
food would be offered at all future events. He continued with explanations of
professors, class sizes, activities, and sporting events on campus. As he
spoke, I began to realize that this school, though not as good as my first
choice, might be the best one for me. It seemed small yet with many great
programs. It seemed challenging yet caring.
As the president ended his speech, we clapped politely
and pushed back our chairs. As I walked out that door, a feeling of comfort
washed over me. Looking at the campus that night, I realized that I would be
spending the next four years right there.
In all honesty, my university is not as well-known as
my “dream”university. However, it turned out to be the right choice of schools
for me.
1.How did the author feel when he started to read the
letter?
A.He was lost
in his dream.
B.He was full
of joy.
C.He was
worried about the money.
D.He was
uncertain which school to go to.
2.We can learn from the passage that the parents were
_________.
A.honest B.supportive C.strict D.decisive
3.In Paragraph 5, “offered me a full ride”can
be replaced by “_______”.
A.would charge
me nothing for tuition
B.would pay for
transport to the school
C.would show me
around the campus
D.would offer
free meals at all events
4.What does the author mainly want to say?
A.You should
consider comfort in your choice of schools.
B.You should
try your best to attend your dream school.
C.Your
second-choice college may actually by your best fit.
D.Your choice
of schools should be based on their fame.