<p>always wear protection, i cant stress that enough people!</p>
<p>Don't think you are going anywhere for sure. My sister's friend thought she was moving to Missouri and knew she'd get into Mizzou so that's all she applied to. I told her to apply to U of I (she was a sure thing there) just in case. She didn't.</p>
<p>She calls me in February, "My parents aren't moving and I want to go to U of I." Her major (biology) wasn't open but only two schools weren't full: Aviation and Fine and Applied Arts under anything but architecture and something else (at U of I, you have to apply to a major).</p>
<p>Luckily she ended up at U of I in FAA but moral of the story is similar to always having a safety school. You may be sure about a college but something may come up last minute (financial aid at another school, loss of job by a parent, or something) that may lead to you not heading to where you were "supposed" to go.</p>
<p>Do your homework and apply to schools you would really want to attend.<br>
I, for one, regret not applying to Amherst...oh, well...</p>
<p>When submitting a paper application:
Put together the entire application package and do the envelope. Put everything inside but DON'T seal it. Leave it on the dining room table. Pretend it's mailed. When you go to sleep that night after putting it all together, your head will be whirling. Did I sign the app? Did I remember to take out "old school" name when I copied the essay for "new school"? Is the check for the right amount? OMG wasn't I supposed to add something to my resume for this particular school? What was it? The next day you can recheck everything and mail it.</p>
<p>The rational is, you need the time to second guess yourself, to double and triple check the completeness, and proof-read your essay just one more time. I can't stress how letting the app sit on your dining room table for one extra day helps your sanity. If you do not, I guarantee you that all the above questions WILL CERTAINLY flash through your mind the instant AFTER you've dropped it in the mailbox.</p>
<p>Don't freak out. If you are even thinking about applying to a college, chances are you will getinto a college. It may not be your absolute first choice that you have fallen in love with ever since 6th grade, but it will be a respectable institution nonetheless. Give every college a chance for you to fall in love with it. Don't fix yourself to a single (or just two, even) college. Appearances (physical, as well as hearsay reputations) can be deceiving. Make the best out of your college years, no matter where you go. Don't sulk for four (or maybe more) years just because you didn't get into your top school. Instead, spend them enjoying your experience and making new (and hopefully, good) memories.</p>
<p>As for senior year itself, don't push yourself too hard so that you're on the verge of a mental breakdown. That by no means implies it's okay to slack off. Balance your workload with playtime. Don't be a slacker, but don't be in panic mode 24/7. Enjoy what's left of your high school years. Be mature, but don't grow up too fast; take your time. There's plenty of "growing up" to do for the rest of your life.</p>