I can attest 100% that applying early decision to Villanova University was the best decision I have ever made. Now, Early Decision is binding, meaning that if you get in, that's where you're going.
Basically, you need to have your life planned out super early which can be a scary thought. Many people are hesitant to commit so early, due to the fact that either the waiting game can be exciting or maybe they can't fathom the idea of having their decision made even prior to being accepted.
For the longest time, Villanova was a dream school that I tried so hard to suppress due to how selective they are in the admissions process (especially the business school).
I work hard in school and have always received astounding grades, but to be accepted to a school within the university where only 450 (give or take a little) students receive acceptance was something unimaginable. Though the chance had seemed slim, it was still there and I was not willing to give up.
Half my closet was Villanova gear prior to even applying. Every time I came across a sweatshirt or t-shirt with the name "Villanova" across it, I had to get it. My family and friends would joke about how I was already committed before I even applied, which would've been a little awkward if I didn't end up getting in.
I visited several colleges up and down the east coast on my college search, starting with Villanova University. Now, if you're a prospective college student, I highly recommend not visiting your dream school first (especially if you are scared you won't get in) because you will be biased to every other college you visit.
As soon as I stepped foot on the campus I knew I never wanted to leave. The vision of my four years after high school being spent at Villanova played through my mind, confirming my love for the school before the tour even began. The values of the school as a whole, the reputation of the business school and how welcoming the campus was only made me more and more excited to apply. I could not see myself going anywhere else.
I planned my entire life around getting into Villanova, which is a scary thought, to say the least. I didn't really have another plan if I were to have to choose another school.
When I put in my ED application in September, I was not prepared to endure the hardest and longest three-month wait. My whole life was going to be decided by the click of an admissions button at 4 p.m. on the December 15. The anxiety that I faced got worse and worse as each day passed because I knew I was one day closer to the day that would decide it all.
When the 15th rolled around, I was stressed more than ever. People would constantly ask me if I had heard back yet causing me to get more and more anxious. When 4 p.m. hit and I was bombarded with messages from the people who knew I would be hearing back, I opened my applicant page to see an update was posted.
The click of a button changed my entire life.
I instantly began to cry when the acceptance video appeared on my screen. My years of worrying, stressing myself out over school and going to coffee shops in the summer to study for the SAT finally paid off.
If your dream school offers early decision, use it to your advantage. It is probably the best choice you can make when it comes to a school you feel so strongly about. Not only does it show your love and commitment to the school to the admissions officers, but it makes choosing a college so much easier when you don't have 8359864 different options to choose from.
I can go on for hours about the reasons I chose Villanova. To name a few, the university as a whole is service and community oriented, the atmosphere is nothing short of amazing and the business school (as well as all other schools at nova) have superb academic ratings.
Never have I been more excited to attend school. Cheers to the next four!
What team? Wildcats! #gocats
