<p>So, seniors, you're about to embark on quite a journey (the journey of college applications, huzzah!) But, I'm here to let you know with a story with a happy ending. Some of you may remember me, as I used to post here (as cannednish, but alas, I lost the coveted password). I don't think I ever let you know my application saga though.</p>
<p>I applied ED and was totally stoked about attending Columbia. The email came in December. With a lump in my throat and a tremble in my fingers, I opened the sacred email (right after 6th period economics, even). Ah, dammit. Deferred.</p>
<p>It was pretty heartbreaking, as I was deadset on Columbia. I kept that bummer attitude around for a few weeks, until I began fixating on my second choice (Swarthmore College). Despite this fixation, I never forgot my love for Columbia though, and I kept sending letters to the admissions office. In total, I sent one letter explaining how Columbia was still a top choice for me, four letters explaining some neat updates about awards and stuff going on in my life, and three short essays. </p>
<p>In early March, I received an early write from Swarthmore (hooray!) and almost completely forgot about my first choice. That is, until March 30th rolled around. The story repeated itself again: 6th period economics, lump in the throat, tremble in the fingers. But this time, holy crap! Acceptance?!</p>
<p>The point is: never give up. When I got around to talking to my admissions officer at DOC, she told me she really wanted me to get in during the ED round, but the rest of the committee didn't feel like I was too interested in Columbia. The barrage of letters pretty much proved them wrong. I ended up choosing Columbia due to how cool the campus vibe felt and some generous financial aid (with grant money and a boatload of scholarships, my tuition payment this semester was around 2,000. Hooray!). </p>
<p>Your application saga will be filled with some neat introspection, panic-inducing deadlines, acceptances, wait lists, and denials. But, throughout it all, never stop believing in yourself and always keep chugging along. You really won't know what will happen in the end. </p>
<p>(Fin!)</p>