I remember this time like it was only yesterday (well, only last year). You are faced with so many choices, so many paths, and it can seem entirely overwhelming. But, as someone who was in your shoes a year ago, and felt terrified of making the wrong decision, I would love to give you some “wise” advice. So here they are, just a few tips that may make this process seem a little bit more manageable.

1. Your dream school may not be your dream school

Hear me out here. I thought I knew exactly what I wanted and I would stop at nothing to attend this “dream” school. Sadly, I didn’t get accepted into my “dream” school, and let me tell you, that was one of the best things that has ever happened to me. Now, I’m not saying that you wouldn’t be happy at your dream school, but you may be just as happy somewhere else. Keep an open mind, my friends!

2. Where could you still be happy?

Picture this: It’s a cold day, you just got a grade back on an exam that turned out worse off than you thought, you miss your dog (or cat) (or fish..whatever floats your boat) and all you want is a home-cooked meal. In simple terms, you’re having a rough day. But, as you walk down the street on the way back to your dorm, you are still happy because you love your school. Therefore, think about what school you would still be happy at, even on the roughest of rough days.

3. Don't get hung up on the name

This one is pretty simple. We often get so focused on the name. We want to go to the school with the greatest street cred just for the purpose of impressing others. Not to state the obvious, but you will regret choosing the school with the “best" name. Choose what makes you happy!

4. Don't box yourself in

You may think you know exactly what you want to study, but you don’t. I thought I was going to be a chemistry major, then a Russian major, and now a public relations major, and I still don’t know for sure! Therefore, don’t choose a college based on what you want to study, but choose a school that gives you room to change your mind. Also, unless you want to be a doctor one day, your major doesn’t matter that much.

5. Will you be bored?

Some are entertained at a school with only 2,000 students and some can’t be content with 40,000, so find what works for you! As someone who gets bored easily, I knew I could only be entertained at a school with a lot of stimulation at all times. You should consider how easily you get bored! That will actually matter more than you think.

6. TRUST

I know that this sounds super cliche, but everything does happen for a reason, so trust that you will end up at the right school for you. Even if you you start at one school and transfer to another, that’s OK! Most importantly, trust that EVERYTHING WILL WORK OUT!!!