College Admissions

College Admissions

College admissions are always tough. It was one of the most nerve-wrecking parts of my senior year. I'd like to pretend that I was calm, cool, and collected during the decisions process, but in all honesty I was a mess. I had the jitters, and my fingers could barely log on to the decision portal because they were shaking so much. 

However, now that the dust has settled from the battlefield known as college applications, and many soldiers are returning home victorious while others limp home bruised and battered, I want to take a moment to address three main categories of people. 

To the rejected applicant:

It is one of the worst feelings to not get a college decision/award that you thought was rightfully yours. You worked four years, only to be left feeling robbed.

However, I'll stop you right there.

 It's OK. Really it is. Life moves on. Life and the extent of your life should not be determined by much more than a piece of paper with a few words on it. Honestly, in the grand scheme of life, undergrad is a very small time. The college you go to does not define who you are as a person or what you believe in or stand for. As long as you can say, I tried my best then that is all that matters :) 

You will end up going to a college that was the right fit for you, and you will flourish there. Do not turn your head back and keep wondering "what if". That's the past. Do not feel dejected at your hard work. Look around you, and realize that there are people (teachers, students, parents, me) that care about you and are here to support you through a rough patch. Rejoice in the fact that whatever college you end up going to go is blessed to have you, and it will provide a an enriching experience for you.

To the wait-listed applicant:

Ah here's the toughie. I would consider this to be like a limbo. Neither here nor their. However,  I would advise you in the same way as the previous category. 

Make sure you go ahead and explore options at schools you were already accepted to. Don't keep wondering about "what if" and "if only I had been pulled from the wait list". Trust me, those are pangs that lead no where but sadness. Focus on the institutions that did accept you, and set plans in motion. In the meantime if you get pulled of the wait list and still want to attend, then hey more power to ya. But do not be that one kid that is waiting till May 10th 11:59 P.M. 

I think the overarching message for both of these groups is that "It's not where you do it, it's what you do". So many kids are under the impression, I have to get into college X to get a good job when that simply isn't true. Yes it's good to strive for colleges and whatnot, but don't get hung up on "because I didn't get in, I'm a failure". That's simply not true :)

To the accepted applicant:

Congratulations! I would like to say congrats to a battle well fought. I wish you the best of luck on your undergrad journey. However, this is just the beginning. There is lots more to be done. We still have entire lives ahead of us, and great things to achieve in those lives. Do not lose sight of why you are getting an education. Do not lose sight of your goals and chase money. Also never forget where you came from. Use that as fuel to guide you where you're going. 

*bonus* To those not going to college:

Whatever the reason may be, remember that education does not simply mean a book and a pencil. Remember that education is a lifelong journey, and that wherever you go, I urge you to continue your education and keep striving to gain new knowledge in whatever form - whether it be street smarts, leadership in the armed services, or so on. 

Whatever category you fall in to, I wish you the best of luck. I really do. I look forward to the great things our generation will accomplish. People say our generation has lost it's culture, taste, and viability. Let's prove them wrong :)

- BlueJay 18