As I scrolled through Common App's colleges, my mind goes into overdrive just thinking about the various colleges I have to apply for, the amount of funds that I have to spend and the amount of time I have to dedicate to this tedious process. Sure, if your school uses a platform other than the Common App to request recommendations and transcripts, that's another thing you have to worry about. As the clock ticks down and days pass, coming closer and closer to the deadline, you find yourself pumping out essays left and right; no matter what they say, you're just eager to get everything over with.
Yes, understandable. And trust me, all the struggling seniors going to college are feeling the same way. So, don't worry about the negatives and focus on what these applications really offer.
1. Truth of Self
Those vague questions, such as 'what do you like most about your major,' may seem taunting to approach at first, but it helps you think about yourself in a way no other class will ever make you do. Here, you must dig deep into your conscious and file through all your memories to discover your true passion, your sincere feelings about what you might want to pursue in life. You might establish connections between career fields that you've never realized or uncovered a new understanding of how you work as a person and a student.
2. Beauty of the Little Things in Life
Every time you spend another $75 to submit your application, another $12 to send test scores, and perhaps $185 to turn in your CSS profile, you'll soon see the beauty of life before this era of stress, frustration and pent up anger. Before, you had to worry about writing that essay last minute or cramming for the upcoming test, but those cannot compare to what you're about to do and how immensely your decision impacts your future. So next time, juniors or anyone besides you seniors should appreciate the time you have to go out and eat dinner with your friends, grab ice cream at 3 in the morning or go shopping for the whole day. These little moments, perhaps so readily available, will no longer be there to give you that smile until perhaps your last application is turned in.
3.Your Support System
For those teacher recommendations or questions asking you to describe someone in your life, you'll soon understand who will support you through your future endeavors. Those teachers, who spend hours crafting your rec or those friends who come to mind when you feel down are those who are worth appreciating. Through these college apps, you'll soon realize what's important to you and why. So, instead of pushing others away, perhaps look beyond superficial relationships to find what really matters.
4.Your Limits
For my friends and I, we tend to follow this mantra: if you have time and the funds, go for it. Thus, through this difficult time, you'll find yourself pushing the boundaries of creativity and patience, first from the sheer exhaustion of college research to actually coming up with good and meaningful answers to those short answers, not to mention some colleges which have close to 10 questions. This process tests your limits and gives you a measure of how much effort you're willing to exert on your future plans. Thus, take this experience for granted and learn as much as you can about yourself. After all, you might discover something useful after all.
Good luck and happy writing, seniors.
