Dear Senior Self,
You always hear people saying how they wish they could go back and re-live a period of their lives with the knowledge they have now. I’ve heard my mom talk about college that way many times, and never quite understood why. I discovered this type of situation sooner than I expected it. Being a freshman in college now, done with my first semester, I have learned quite a bit about myself.
When growing up, I always pictured myself going to a large, competitive college. Right away, I narrowed my search to the only college I have ever known, the University of Wisconsin. Sure, I looked at a few other schools, but I knew that I never gave any of them a chance. Those few other schools I looked at were nothing like the “UW-Madison type”, and in a way, I think that was on purpose. I set my mind on one school without even giving the others a chance.
Sure, I’m happy and thankful to go to a school like Wisconsin. However, it’s hard to see it as my home— and its hard not to think “what if?” Maybe its just too early to make a conclusion, but I can’t help to wonder: What if I was somewhere else? What if I looked into another college? Would I be happier? Would I love it more?
My biggest advice looking back on this year so far would simply be to take your time while choosing a school. Look into every aspect of the schools you’re looking into; academics, campus life, location, etc. Visit the campus and see what it’s like to be there. Step outside your comfort zone and visit somewhere out of state or farther from home. Visit somewhere that you may feel uneasy about the distance. You may love those places the most. Try to see somewhere you haven’t ever lived before— whether it's the mountains or the ocean. It’s important to step outside your comfort zone a little while making such an important decision.
Have ambition, maybe even apply to a school you may not get into. You may surprise yourself. In the moment, I figured that I could do pretty much whatever I wanted at a larger school, but I was very wrong. Look into the academics. Does this school offer a route for you to complete your desired major? Is it possible at this school for you to succeed— whether it’s smaller class sizes or field of study. Going to a large school doesn’t always mean you will be able to accomplish what you want. Even though you’re in a sea of opportunities, many of those doors are closed.
But the largest piece of advice for you is not to settle on one school right away. That one school you’ve been dreaming of your whole life may not actually be all you’ve dreamt of. Give other schools a chance, take a leap of faith if you have to and choose the school you know and feel is right for you— not just what you think is right for you.
Sincerely,
Your College Self
