I decided a few weeks ago to commit to Bryn Mawr over Smith, and i spent those last few weeks wondering if Smith would have been better for me. It’s obviously past the May 1 deadline, but I’m just concerned I didn’t find enough colleges that were right for me and now I’m “stuck” with Bryn Mawr. I mean, in February alone I found 15 schools that I realized would’ve been a great fit for me. I don’t know, I just feel apathetic about Bryn Mawr. Is this normal? Should I really attend a school that I’m just not enthused about?
What 15 schools? We all have doubts, but remember one thing: college is not marriage. You’re not seeking the love of your life. You’re going to get an education, and what you do there will be what’s important, regardless of where you go.
Your feelings are not unusual. Part of what you are feeling is the “loss” over the opportunities you had to turn down in being able to choose just one school. That would probably happen no matter what decision you made. Those feelings will fade, and soon you will forget about those other schools. Have you joined the Bryn Mawr Facebook group or subscribed to their Twitter feed, blogs etc.? That may help you get excited about the school.
This isn’t a life sentence. This is, at most, a one year commitment. If it’s not the right fit at the end of the year, you can transfer. But I’m betting that if you invest emotionally in your new school, you’ll find your people and a life that you will feel sad to leave 4 years from now.
I believe any college is more what you make of it than what it is by itself. Going to Harvard can be great…or it can be terrible…It is the same with whatever college you choose. Bryn Mawr can be great if you allow yourself to get involved, find new and interesting things to do there and meet people who are different than you. I always laugh about the ‘party school’ ratings because ANY school is a party school if you make it so. Any school is a studious school if you make it so. Bryn Mawr is an incredible institution and you are in for the time of your life. Enjoy it…Make it part of you…dive in and don’t try to just ‘test the waters’…If you are an extremely studious and dedicated student and want the campus to be that…it can be. If you are looking for a place to invigorate your social life…it can be that. Good luck and enjoy your college years…they are far too short.
A recent Bryn Mawr graduate I know loved her experience at the school.
It’s normal to feel this way but once you involve yourself with the school more, you’ll feel more excited. Have you visited again? Joined any social media groups or talked to any current/incoming students? Once orientation rolls around, it’ll feel more realistic.
You are experiencing the paradox of choice. Applicants are exposed to so many choices that is it easy to get overwhelmed and feel like you made the wrong decision. The healthiest thing to do once you make a decision is not to look back and only look forward. Pour over every bit of information you can find about Bryn Mawr and get psyched about where you are going, not what you may or may not have left behind.
My friend wanted to transfer this year, but fell in love with the school. She loves it there. WNE was the right choice for her.
It’s normal to have cold feet. Since the choice was between Bryn Mawr & Smith, schools with more similarities than differences, don’t even worry about it. Same advice if you’d been choosing between radically different schools, but even more so in this instance. Embrace the experience and move forward. It’s going to be all about you, now, not the school.
You’re “stuck” with Bryn Mawr? You have buyer’s remorse. Why did you choose BM in the first place? Has any of that changed? Own your decision.
There was so much angst in your final decision-making process that what you are feeling right now may just be the sudden lack of angst in your life.
Make a note on your calendar, and if you are still feeling iffy about BMC at the end of July, sit down with your parents and consider whether or not a Gap Year is in order.