College.
College.
Say the word to any senior this time of year, and I bet you twenty bucks that their response will begin or end with a horrific groaning, dinosaur noise.
Although teenagers are notoriously moody, the level of disgruntlement surrounding this topic of conversation is ridiculous. Perhaps it’s based in the endless queries from our distant family members, or the frantic competition among frenemies to apply to the most prestigious institution, or maybe the hypocritical colleges themselves; our emails inboxes overflow with messages from universities that scream, “We want YOU!” only to ask for a $75 application fee, and who could forget, a $50,000 price tag (per year).
I was not kidding about that bet. I need the money.
In my opinion, however, we seniors are overwhelmed by the dark looming cloud that encompasses all that is college. It is four years of our lives, after all. Even if we don’t attend Uncle Pete’s beloved alma mater, even if Betty Best Friend gets into Stanford without us, even if our top choice decides our expected family contribution is, somehow, equal to the cost of attendance—the decisions we make today matter.
So, let’s go through it. I know we’ve all heard it a million times, had it thrown at us from guide books, counselors, and parents, but maybe a simple list is the best method of sorting through the stress; let’s call it the basics. Fair warning, I’m not going to be gentle.
- The Schools: Let’s face it, it’s the middle of October. You need to know what type of school is best for you, big or small, near or far, Division 1 or Division 3. Maybe you don’t have much of a preference for some factors—that’s important to know too. Self-evaluate. Plain and simple.
*Tip: Too long of a list of potential schools? Identify which ones MUST stay on the list—it’ll show you where your priorities are. After all, you can only attend one.
- The Deadlines: Early Action and Early Decision deadlines are quickly approaching—write them down! Early Action is a great tool to show your strong interest in a school without the blood oath of a binding agreement. Advice I’ve heard: those who apply Regular Decision to a school that offers EA are those who, frankly, don’t have their acts together. Early Decision, on the other hand, is not for the faint of heart. While you can, in most cases, back out of ED based on unsatisfactory financial circumstances, do not apply Early Decision unless you are 100% committed to enrolling after acceptance. Whichever you choose, do not miss the deadline.
*Tip: Yes, both Early Action and Early Decision have higher acceptance rates. Of course they do! Colleges want to admit candidates who (after determining they’d be a good fit for their campus) will enroll. EA and ED applicants are rationally more likely to do so.
- The Application: Obviously, present your best self. Be clear describing your responsibilities in activities—don’t abbreviate. Make an appointment at the Writing Center to review your essay.
*Tip: GUYS. National Honor Society is an award. Not an activity. I know there are yearly hour requirements and service projects, but those are to maintain membership. Even the Common App lays this out.
*Tip: do NOT hesitate to email the admissions office of a school you’re applying to with questions. It’s their job to read applications, so they know what they want to see and read. Ask what they stress in terms of course load or community service. Ask, ask, ask. It never does any harm, and many institutions track emails and phone calls as evidence of legitimate interest.
Bottom Line: as knowledgeable college guru Mr. Trout has told many a stress-ridden senior: “You apply to a college because you want to go there.” Don’t apply to a university because your friends are applying there, don’t apply because you might be happy there. Apply because you are confident you will be. Apply because you have found the best available match for you.
I know it’s stressful, but it really is an important matter—it should be stressful. It’s not a decision you make lightly.
That being said, it’s fully within your rights to express your inner turmoil by channeling prehistoric creatures.
