Dear High School Seniors,

If you're anything like I was, it's nearing the end of April and you still haven't picked a college. That May 1st deadline keeps quickly approaching, and it's not taking any water breaks. I was that senior. The one frantically trying to make a decision and asking for everyone's advice. The one who went on college tours two weeks before I had to make a decision because I thought it would help me make up my mind. Whenever someone asked me what college I'd be attending in the fall, I'd immediately start sweating and try to change the conversation. I'd also start to feel like something was wrong with me. Why couldn't I be like all of the other seniors and just pick a college?

The biggest roadblock in me picking a college was because I believed in the "feeling". I had been told that I'd have this immediate "feeling" by simply walking onto a campus and I'd just know I was meant to be there.

Well, I never had that feeling. Not once. No matter how hard I tried. I felt out of place everywhere I went and honestly couldn't picture myself at any college. I guess I just wasn't blessed with the gene that allowed you to experience this mystical and magical "feeling" that exists in what seems like college fairytales.

Seniors, I'm here to tell you that it's okay to not have this feeling. I ended up at a fantastic university and have found my place within the college. Stop pursuing this "feeling" and start pursuing a college's "genetic makeup". By this I mean exploring all of the programs the college offers, the research opportunities, the potential classes, the organizations, the values and the scholarships available. Grab a hold of literally anything that tells you any actual information about the university. I promise this will help you make a much better decision than just waiting for your college knight in shining armor to ride in on a majestic steed and deliver this "feeling" to you.

So graduating high school seniors, relax. You will end up at a college where you will find excellent opportunities and create lasting memories, regardless of your choice.