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 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 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.
51. How did the author feel when he started to read the letter?
A. He was full of joy.
B. He was lost in his dream.
C. He was worried about the money.
D. He was uncertain which school to go to.
52. We can learn from the passage that the parents were ____________ .
A. strict B. honest C. decisive D. supportive
53. In Paragraph 5, “offered me a full ride” can be replaced by “____________”.
A. would offer free meals at all events
B. would show me around the campus
C. would pay for transport to the school
D. would charge me nothing for tuition
54. What does the author mainly want to say?
A. You should try your best to attend your dream school.
B. You should consider comfort in your choice of schools.
C. Your choice of schools should be based on their fame.
D. Your second-choice college may actually be your best fit.