The time has come. Applications. Deadlines. Personal Essays. Short Answer Question. Large Envelopes. Small Envelopes. Acceptances. Deferrals. Waitlists. Whatever you may be consumed by at this time, it is all pretty much synonymous to stress.

What you need to understand is that every college student and person with a high school diploma has been there. Whatever way you look at it, it is an anxiety inducing process. Not only do you have to figure out what you want to do with your life and where you want to go, you also then have to think about how you are going to afford your future. Sometimes getting into your dream school is great, but when they send you your financial aide package for the school year you may be thinking otherwise. As someone who has been through the process, the best advice I can give to you is to go into it with an open mind.

Do not settle. When it comes time to actually pick the school you want to attend, do not fall too fast. Don’t overlook other options because you settled on one specific school that you consider your “dream school.” The perfect school does not exist, but the school that is perfect for you does. You have to look at other factors besides the campus, sports teams, and social life. While those are important, be realistic.

Start Early. Every application and deadline you can submit or reach ahead of time is the best time to do so. Always assume there will be an issue with some document you have to submit. If you give yourself enough time before the actual deadline, you will be able to deal with whatever issues come your way in the grace period. There will always be an issue.

Rely on only yourself. When it comes down to it, you are ultimately making the first decision towards carving your own life. While your parents and school counselors are there to aide you in the process, it is best to take matters into your own hand because from here on out, you will be making a lot more decisions on your own.

Do not compare yourself to others. It is so easy to get caught in college acceptance envy, wondering who got into where and where all of your peers are heading off to. But the truth of the matter is, whether you are going to an Ivy League or community college, the only person you have to worry about is yourself. You will not be taking your high school classmates to college with you. Once the year is over, you will never see some of these people again.

Above all else, try to enjoy the time while you can. The college application process is a long and hard one that will carry out until May. By then you will most likely be close to graduation or graduated, so it makes no sense to spend the entirety of senior year stressing. I cannot emphasize it enough that these will be some of the most vivid memories of your lifetime if you allow them to be. Everything else involving college will fall into place. Stay on top of your deadlines. Spend more time with friends and family. Do not take the time for granted.