As March approaches, one of the things in life that I am very grateful for is that I am no longer a high school senior.
This time last year saw me inundated with the standard homework load, but unable to properly function thanks to debilitating anxiousness on the letters from colleges that were soon to make war with my mailbox. For me, it all worked out fine, as I am happily attending Lawrence University studying literature and trombone. Looking back though, I can easily say that March of 2015 was one of the most stressful months of my life. For my senior friends overcome by the same anxiety, I hope I can offer you some advice that I would have greatly appreciated and that will hopefully calm your raw nerves.
Responses from various schools will take time, and requires confidence and patience. Not every letter will come in at the same time, if you applied broadly, not all will be acceptances, and not every one will be worded as delicately or exuberantly as the next. The way to deal with them? Have no expectations. Begin March just knowing those letters will come as they may. You submitted your apps back in January, and since then it’s been in the hands of Admissions Deans across the country.
With no expectations, a rejection letter does not have such an earth-shattering affect. Similarly, with no expectations, that acceptance letter from your top school seems all the more like a miracle. Overall, put faith into the fact that if you applied to multiple schools that would like to attend, you will be going to college. For those of you still filling out rolling admissions applications, be confident! You are damn good enough to go to college, and you will; just make it past this last hurdle and leave it in the hands of admissions.
Whether you’re still applying or just waiting, like I said, you are damn good enough to attend university, so treat yourself like it. Take some time every chance you get from now through decision day (May 1st) to do one thing to relax and console yourself. This is something I do every day, no matter my work load, but during trial and stress, it is even better. Lay back and read, run a hot bath and throw in a Lush, or watch a good movie with a friend. Treat yourself like you’ve run a marathon. Because, honestly, you have. Four or more years of hard work and months pouring over apps have lead you to this period of waiting, so celebrate yourself like the war hero you are.
When it does come time to make your decision, please make sure you’ve considered everything offered by every school that wants you. In my decision process I dismissed things like weather, location, and atmosphere - as trivial concerns contemplated by my parents. While some of you may not care about the vitality of your campus or winter weather, come Fall 2017 you might find yourself regretting your decision if you’re not diligent enough. Example: walking across campus this very morning, tears drawn from my eyes, were instantly frozen to the cusp of my eyelid. On the other extreme, I have a friend in school at the University of North Texas who was forced to sleep naked through most of his first term. In short, do not choose a school based solely on its merit. Remember, you will be living there.
Financial aid is the next pain that accompanies college admissions, and will likely have a big influence on where you decide to attend. If your first choice institution has not offered you enough to attend, please, please, please get ahold of their financial aid office immediately. Tell them that you’ve been accepted and awarded scholarship, but need more. They are more than willing to help and you’re likely to receive more aid. From Bates College to Lawrence, University of Washington to UNT, I and many of my friends received more aid upon request.
Lastly, two emotional things. Similar to caring for yourself, remember you have a support system. Counselors, parents, peers, teachers. They’ve all aided you in getting to this point, and will continue to do so. And, embrace being scared and nervous - you're not alone. Contrary to what you believe, your peers are as terrified as you. You should be nervous, it's a sign that your educational future is important to you, and that is a quality to be proud of.
I will have to repeat this process in the coming years for applications to competitive internships and for grad school, but know I will find solace in the fact that I’ve done it all before and it worked out. I, in no way, expect this to quiet all your college qualms, much less do I claim to be a admissions counselor or have all the answers. If you have specific questions, please direct them to your admissions counselor, the school in question, or a qualified instructor. I am simply a student who went through the same rigmarole as my senior friends and hope that by sharing my experiences and knowledge, that I can make a difference.
I would like to greatly thank the countless individuals who aided me in my college admissions process. Thank you to my parents, sister, and grandparents for their support in all my endeavors. Thank you to my senior year instructors, Mr. Stewart, Miss Newman, Mrs. RJ, and Mr. Quinn of Edmonds-Woodway High School for encouraging me to pursue my dreams and for reminding me that I am capable of changing the world.
All pictures in this article belong to me or my dear friend Morgen Moraine, a senior here at Lawrence University.
