<p>I don't want to write a long, thoughtful message; I woke up at 5am to write my calc final today and I'm tired. I do want to give y'all some advice that I wish I had understood last year. </p>
<ol>
<li><p>Prestige doesn't really matter. I cried when I was left with UNC. Now if I had the opportunity, I would not trade UNC for any other school... even Harvard would be a tough sell. </p></li>
<li><p>Don't be so obsessed about academic success. It's important, but exercise, social life, and involvement are just as important.</p></li>
<li><p>All of the people with an EC and academic achievement list a mile long -- it doesn't matter, and don't be intimidated. Once you get here, they're on the same playing field. You can out compete them. I'm the one with the 4.0 and they (for the most part) are not. </p></li>
</ol>
<p>Just apply to places you feel would be a good fit and see where you get in. Don't stress about it. </p>