<p>this whole process- college applications, endless waiting for the "letter," decisions-decisions-decisions, bitter-sweet end to HS years.... all can be a bit daunting, and no doubt anxiety-provoking. And for some, it can be a real "reality check" over what has been accomplished to date, and what "could have been.... if only...."....</p>
<p>Sometimes you just have to take time to take time out, if only for a few deep breaths.</p>
<p>In the end, all you can do is the best you can do-
what is done is done, but senior year offers you another year to "get things done"....
and college applications, while important, still must play second-fiddle to getting through the academics of senior year and doing the best job you can. So staying focused on that priority can, and should be, the starting point.</p>
<p>Getting applications "completed" and "submitted" can also seem like a huge task- so breaking them down into smaller pieces, then setting up time tables to meet required deadlines- and, most importantly, sticking to the "plan" can help whittle away at the process piece by piece. Try and have fun with it- visiting colleges, "imagining" yourself there, etc.....</p>
<p>And perhaps the most difficult part: don't get "hung up" with a "it has to be this and nothing else" choice.... even if it is the USNA.
while we all hope everyone gets their "top choice," the reality is that some may not- and the dissapointment can be huge if you do not prepare for it. So selecting several schools where you can see yourself being successful and "reasonably happy" is important.</p>
<p>And as much as I bleed "blue and gold," there are other really great programs out there- and the reality is that the "college" choice should not be the "end goal".... the "end goal" should be "what you want to do with your life (aka career) and how best to get there"..... what you will come to realize is that there are many "ways" to achieve the same "end"....</p>
<p>So again, is the goal to "attend the USNA" or is it to "become a naval officer?" The USNA is only 4 years...and it passes by very quickly. A career as a naval officer "can be life-long".... so what is the goal? When it comes right down to it, there are lots of ways that will lead to becoming a naval officer....USNA is but one....but certainly not the only one. So keeping that in mind should help to make the time pass a bit better.... and other "choices" just as good a reason to celebrate!</p>
<p>As will keeping in mind there are some things you can control, and some things you cannot. Using your time wisely, to concentrate on the things you can influence- and surrender those things you can't- can make the "waiting" not so unbearable. Not so easy to do, but do try- it does help to keep your feet planted in reality.</p>
<p>Things you can control:
-grades- leading to GPA- leading to class rank
-participation in some worthwhile activities (what brings you a sense of fulfillment- ECA's, sports, etc)
-getting as much information about realistic choices before you (college selection, career, etc)
-SATs---- prep!
-interviews- they are inevitable, so practice...... most won't take the time, but you can!
-personal essay- put the time and effort into making yourself as 3-dimensional as possible-
-appearance- does matter. First impression- and one chance to make it!
-applications- getting them completed and submitted on time- heck, earlier than on-time (remember the early bird attage....)
-how you respond..... to challenges, letters of acceptance, letters of denial, etc.
-enjoying your senior year- friends- prom- graduation-</p>
<p>Not in your control:
-who will offer you an "acceptance letter" and who will send you the skinny one
-how fast the above will be determined, and how fast the news will arrive in your mailbox
-nominations
-unresolovable (unwaiverable) medical issues
-the pool you are competeting against
-other "needs" of the admissions board...those "intangibles" that go into making a diversified class, or filling some particular need....</p>
<p>So try and put the anxiety aside and enjoy your last year in HS.... it will "fly by".... and resolve yourself to not making the "mailbox check" the most important part of your day- you will drive yourself nuts! Use the energy, instead, towards making the most out of your senior year- savor every moment- take the time to hang out with friends that will be off to bigger and better places just like you will be doing..... "oh, the places you'll go.... the things that you'll see...."</p>
<p>All worth it in the end? You bet! :)</p>
<p>Best of luck!</p>