- It helped GolfKiddo to think of how applications and then attending BS were related to the game of golf. Since being on the greens is where I have enjoyed my best insights, I thought I would share this perspective. Feel free to add - you don’t have to be a golfer to join in this game.
KEEP YOUR HEAD DOWN AND FOLLOW THROUGH:
One of the 10 Commandments of golf that actually “applies to applying”. Don’t be distracted by the chatter of others or the chatter inside your head regarding the uncertainties of BS applications - because some of the inner anxiety about applying to BS or any prep school reflects the conflicting emotions that are approriate for any student in your situation. Applying means you have to “keep your eye on the ball” - just do it - focus on the application process right now and worry later about the other stuff, or you will get distracted. Don’t worry about March 10th when you have an immediate worry about January 15th or Feb 1st!
BE HONEST WITH YOURSELF ABOUT YOUR HANDICAP - YOU CAN”T LIE ABOUT YOUR GAME:
I love playing with folks who tell me they are a 12 HCP…shu nuff, as we say. They go out there and really struggle on every hole to double bogey. Same with students applying to BS. I wish I had a dollar for every student on CC who goes on the Chance Me thread and asks Magic 8 Ball if they have a good chance for “top schools”, yet their scores, grades, talents, and other factors just don’t reflect the metrics typical of getting accepted to such schools. Be honest with yourself about your abilities, your strengths, any learning differences, YOUR NEEDS, and your EXPECTATIONS. You may want to get accepted to a “top school”, but will you be happy in a super competitive environment or have the ability to keep up with the amount of work? Also, are you someone who needs to be within the top 10% of the class? Better expect to get your first “B” at BS.
DO NOT AIM FOR A SUCKER PIN:
I have posted about this before, but here it is again. In golf, I refer to a “sucker pin” when that tempting flag is planted in a perilous place on the green. Often, it looks closer and more attainable than it is in reality. For us, a certain school frequently mentioned on CC was a “sucker pin”. We knew that golfkiddo didn’t have what it took to go there and, more importantly, it would not be the right fit even if accepted. We learned a lot by studying the old March 10th threads and reviewed where people applied, then where they were accepted. When playing golf, the most seasoned golfers aim for the middle of the green (you can watch Tom Watson’s video on this). You may have some great spin on the ball that will roll you to that sweet flag. We aimed for the “middle of the green” when casting a wide net for schools - we had some “spin on the ball” with achievements in athletics and performing arts that, in addition to solid stats, rolled us to the acceptance flags.
KNOW WHICH TEE BOX YOU BELONG ON:
One of the things that makes the game fun for golfers of all levels…know which tee box you should be driving from. This goes for choosing a school and then, once you are accepted, which courses to select. I have witnessed students who may have been top of their math or science classes get “shanked” by taking courses that are too difficult. Ok, before you all attack me for this opinion, please hear me out. Just because you took Algebra-2 Honors at your LPS in the sticks, this doesn’t necessarily mean you are prepared for Pre-Calc at Andover (just an example). Likewise, just because you score high on the placement tests you take in May (for the school you will attend), it doesn’t mean that XYZ class is the right one for you. Be flexible for your needs, your skill level, and how you learn. Have the expectation that at some point in your BS career you will change a class. Schools have a Drop/Add/Change period for a reason! For example, you are not married to your math class or science class - at least during that glorious couple of weeks. You may be overwhelmed by that one class that takes too much time or demands skills that you don’t yet fully command. Don’t be embarrassed or ashamed to drop down/change/advance to the best fit class for YOU.
GOLF IS A GAME OF RESILIENCY - SO IS BS:
In golf, its not about your last shot - it’s about your next shot. Every old caddy out there will tell you that the best golfers and the happiest golfers are resilient people. You have to be able to get over disappointments and loss. Failure is your friend when you learn from that experience. If you let some disappointment, some jerk who upset you, or some failure keep bugging you then you will limit yourself in success and happiness. Manage your expectations on and off the golf course. It’s actually very difficult playing to your handicap. Prepare yourself in advance how you will manage disappointments by having a good support system and by using some positive cognitive strategies. At school, you will need to establish a support system of friends (maybe a faculty member or advisor) you can talk to when times are tough. You very well may not keep that strong GPA you had back in 8th grade or maybe you don’t make Varsity like you had hoped…be prepared in advance for the disappointments in BS that actually may lead to new paths for you. How many times on CC have we heard of kids not making team XP, but then took up game GWZ and found a new passion?
In golf, Happiness = Experiences > Expectations. Be prepared for not meeting your expectations and, also, for readjusting your expectations and a whole world will open up for you.
See you on the links! You are all wonderful kids and I wish you the best as you head for the final stretch of application season. :-bd