Hey everyone! I’m currently a senior in high school, and I am now waiting to hear back from all of the colleges to which I applied. Now that the rush is over for me, I’d like to just take a second to offer a few pieces of advice to juniors who are still indulging in their college searches (and willing to to read such a long thread).
First, foremost, and most obviously, let only you dictate the basics of your college search and selection. I know that this is something a lot of juniors frequently hear, but I’ve very rarely seen it sink in to people. When you’re visiting college campuses with your friends or parents, it’s definitely a good idea to ask for their opinions; however, do not define your ultimate opinion about the college based on what they tell you. You will be spending the next four years on you’re college’s campus, not them.
Secondly, don’t feel pressured to provide concrete answers when people ask you, “Why do you like this college?”. Although research opportunities, community service, and hardcore academics are all good things to be interested in, choosing a college is an extremely personal and emotional process. Before applying to (and especially enrolling in) colleges, at least try to visit them. “The feel” is an ever-existing factor that should highly impact your college decisions. When you are visiting colleges, ask yourself honestly if you can picture yourself walking around the campus or hanging out in the dorms. When the answer is “yes”, you will know.
In addition, don’t be afraid to apply to and attend schools that you like just because you’re interested in a school that has a higher ranking or reputation. I’ve seen a lot of my friends turn down schools that they felt most comfortable at just because they were accepted into something that made the research rankings on U.S. News. I promise that every college will provide its own set of opportunities that you can pursue and enjoy. You deserve to be at the college that fits you best, even if some people would call it mediocre. If it isn’t mediocre to you, then it isn’t mediocre at all.
Conversely, apply to extremely selective schools that you are interested in even if you think or people are telling you that you won’t make the cut. Honestly, you’ll never know until you try. The only failure that you can bring upon yourself is not giving yourself the opportunity to fail, if you know what I mean. I know it sounds condescending, but shoot for the stars!
Lastly, be considerate of everyone who is applying to colleges alongside you. Countless times, I have seen people, particularly on this site but also in person, talk about how comparatively selective colleges are “basically open admission” or “not difficult to get into at all”. I hate to be the one to say it, but saying things like this in any case is rude. What might be a safe school for you could be a reach school for someone else, even though he or she tried just as hard as you did. I really want to stress that I’m not trying to be mean here, I really just want everyone to stay cool.
I hope you all have a great application cycle! Good luck to everyone this year, the next, and all the rest! (: