Is anybody else around there slightly hesitant about the school they applied ED to?
I applied ED to Haverford and the decision is going to be here in less than a week, and I can’t help but feel somewhat nervous that maybe I made a wrong choice. Don’t get me wrong, I visited campus, interviewed, and even came back for an overnight stay and loved the place. I weighed all of my options carefully. Still, all of these doubts keep popping into my head a week before the decision’s here. Did I make the wrong choice? Will there be enough diversity to keep me happy? Is the environment academic enough? And…although I hate to say this, the lack of name recognition associated with Haverford in a supercompetitive school where I’m in the top 5-10% is really starting to get to me. Granted, there’s no guarantees I’ll even get in, but these ED doubts are starting to irk me.
Although there’s really nothing I can do about the situation, any advice on how to handle ED anxiety? I’d really appreciate it…
<p>All those feelings are normal, and, rest assured about name recognition. Just because those around you are not too familiar with Haverford, any grad school you apply to or any employer that really cares about the education of their employees will know the name, "Haverford".<br>
In my own family (Asian) no- one knew Swarthmore when my nephew chose to go there. Only HYP got recognition in their community, but they soon realized that it was their ignorance and self inflicted bias that made them question his choice. Trust your original instincts that convinced you to apply ED in the first place. Good Luck</p>
<p>You should look up "buyer's remorse" as you have a classic case of it. I think Haverford is a fine school. Am hoping one of mine goes there someday. Really, most kids will do just fine in any school as the experience is what you make it. All of these choices often causes more anxiety, doubt and stress. The nuances between one college or another should not be a make or break deal--you are not that fragile, or should not be. It's not as though you are being sent to a penitentiary or something. And I hear even Martha is thriving!</p>
<p>I'll comment on just one specific point: if you let lack of name recognition spook you, you're letting the ignorance of others control your decisions or feelings. Haverford is a fine school and all grad/professional schools and most elite employers are going to be very familiar with it. The fact that the owner of the local gas station or the assistant manager of your Walmart has never heard of it should have no bearing.</p>
<p>Opinions matter but so does who holds them.</p>
<p>"And...although I hate to say this, the lack of name recognition associated with Haverford in a supercompetitive school where I'm in the top 5-10% is really starting to get to me."</p>
<p>As The Dad and others have already told you, this is totally unimportant. The LACs in general have amazingly little name recognition in the wider worls and even at competitive high schools, where there is a tremendous premium placed on Ivys. If a small school is what you wanted and Haverford felt right,then it is right.</p>
<p>Deep breath, you are having normal feelings of doubt. Think of it this way - it is May 1, and you only applied RD. You were admitted to Haverford and 3 other schools, you chose Haverford on April 3 and returned your card - do you think that now on May 1 you don't have any feelings of doubt? You probably would, no matter when the decision was made, it is normal. Here comes my mantra - have some ice cream, it is always a good choice - and relax.</p>