It's that time of the year again—classes have started back up, and I've already seen several tour groups of high school students looking for what college is the right one for them and whether this school fits their wants and needs. The seniors in high school are so excited and ready to graduate and finally move away from that school and their hometown. They are ready to be independent and actually doing something worthwhile with their lives. They are ready to start applying to and hopefully getting accepting into the college of their dreams.
I've been there; I was ready to get the heck out of my high school and away from everybody there. Around this time two years ago, I was attending college fairs and going on multiple tours of college campuses. It was incredibly overwhelming and scary, too. I started seriously thinking about what schools I should apply to and which ones will be my safety school, and ranking them based on preference. I did all this before I even started the application process.
Word of advice, don't stress and worry after you hit the submit button at the bottom of your applications. Easier said than done, I'm well aware, but don't let your free time consist of hitting the refresh button on your emails. After you have submitted all your applications, take a deep breath because it is out of your hands now. You tried your hardest all throughout high school, took the SAT or ACT multiple times, and were involved in several extracurricular activities during your four years of high school. You did all you could do, so now enjoy what little time you have left with your high school friends, because in the blink of an eye, you will be walking across that stage at graduation and parting ways with your best friends.
I say this because this is what I did not do. I was so invested and concerned with getting college acceptance letters that I didn't live my senior year to the fullest. I spent all my time studying and doing homework to make sure I kept my grades to where they've been (and strived to make them a lot better). I would spend time after school fulfilling the requirements for my several extracurriculars, but that was it. I have some regrets looking back on it now, but what's passed is passed.
Everything will work out the way it is supposed to. You will be so involved in living out your last year of high school that you won't give a second thought to whether that decision is waiting in an envelope at home or in your inbox. If you are even a little satisfied with your accomplishments during your time in high school then you will be just fine. If you don't get into your dream school then that just means it really wasn't the right one for you and that your follow up school accepted you and that is where you are really meant to be all along.
To the class of 2016, make this your year. Everyone is rooting for you. I can't wait to see some of your faces around campus next year.
