I’m a Southern Californian who has finally finished up the great college selection process. While I could write about my personal experience, I’d rather write a list on what I’ve learned from this whole game. I was accepted early decision into Boston University and I also applied to a few other schools along the way.
<li>Like the rest of life, luck plays a factor. Sure, you can greatly increase your chances of going to School XYZ but just like in the rest of life, there are NO definites. I was rejected from UCSD but got into BU no problem; there IS a titch of random luck in the process.</li>
<li>VISIT CAMPUSES!!! I took a trip in August on to the east coast and it changed my life. You know how they say that you’ll get “warm and fuzzies” when you’re on the right campus. It’s true; when I walked onto BU’s campus (or lack thereof) I felt… at ease. Likewise, I visited American Universitie’s campus and I immediately had a disdain for it; it was exactly what I was trying to avoid when picking a college. </li>
<li>Essays, Essays, Essays. If there is one consistent thread that I’ve seen between all of my peers and their college decisions, it seems to always come down to essays. Frankly, I worked my arse off on my essays and I’m quite proud of them; I think they are the reason why I got accepted instead of rejected from BU. Spend time on them, polish them, but more than anything else, remember the old adage “to thine own self be true”. My main essay was written with quite a bit of bold declarations that bordered on hyperbole; I explained my theory that I view myself to be an ubermensch in line with Nietzsche’s thinking. Although it nearly crossed line into bold hyperbole, it also was a deadly serious and unique paper; it reflected myself and who I am without reservations. If you don’t have writing skills, make it up in other areas. </li>
<li>In line with number 3, mediocre SATs/ACT scores will not damn you for eternity. Didn’t get what you wanted? Make it up by taking on another club, or polish the essays, or take a harder class. The key here is balance, know your limits. I got a 1220 and a 28 respectively, and it turned out to be what I needed.</li>
<li>There are NO bad colleges. After being pounded by all of my teachers that the UC system was far superior than the state system I visited my cousin at SDSU and actually saw that it’s reputation is rather biased and outlandish. Different colleges draw different types of people; find the one that’ll fit best for you.</li>
<li>Finally, I come to the rather controversial issue of the dreaded “early decision”. BU’s early decision is legally binding, meaning that I am literally “forced” to go there. I can’t believe how many people make blankey “early decision is good/bad” statements. The best analogy for Early Decision is gambling and going with a “double or nothing”. Yes, you are potentially damning yourself by not getting a decent financial aid package (even though most ED’s are given quite generous packages). Yes, you are putting all of your emotional eggs in one basket. But let me tell you first hand, getting that letter in December… one of the best moments of my life. No stress in March and April worrying over which college to go to; it’s all set up by now. Plus, Early decision can give you some nice fringe benefits; I am lucky enough to have priority housing for my first year which will no doubt come in handy. Only do Early Decision if you want to end the long and painful college process quickly AND you visited a campus and fell in love with it. Otherwise, stay away and wait it out. I’m incredibly happy with the early decision and I thank god that I was able to take part in it.</li>
Any questions/comments/rants at me? Let me know, I’m sure I’ll have some more useless/repetitive advice soon. : P