If there is one thing that unites most high school seniors at this time, it is the stress of college applications. From figuring out where to apply, the actual application, or the waiting game after submitting apps, it's all dreadful. What makes it worse is when unaware adults try to heckle you for information. No high school senior wants to hear these questions this Thanksgiving:
1. What college are you going to?
I don’t know. Decisions aren’t usually final until May! And don't you think I would have told you if I knew?2. Well, what’s your top choice?
Please don’t make me tell you. Because then you won’t stop talking about it and then you will get me all nervous, and then if I don’t get in, you’re going to have a million more things to say.
3. I know you said that you didn’t want to talk about college, but you can tell me, right?
I don’t think you understood me. I DON’T WANT TO TALK ABOUT COLLEGE.
4. What were your test scores?
A number. Please, can we just talk about politics; that would be a lot more comfortable.
5. Have you heard back from anywhere?
What if I got rejected from places? Like, please think before you ask questions that you assume have a happy ending.
6. Do you like "x College"? Because I could really see you there.
I am in the thick of college applications, so the places I am applying are final.
7. What do you want to major in?
I’ve done enough college essays; I don’t want to recite one to you at dinner.
8. Do you want me to get you in touch with my friend’s granddaughter? She graduated from "x college" a few years ago!
No, thank you for the effort, but I don’t even know that girl and I’m sure she doesn’t want to talk to me either.
9. I think I applied to two colleges when I was in high school. How many are you applying to?
So many more than two. It’s so much harder these days.
10. You’re not going to go across the country, right? That’s too far; there are so many great colleges here.
There are also plenty of amazing colleges across the country, so we’ll just have to wait and see where I get in.
11. What did you write your essay on? Can I see your essay actually?
Unless you are my college counselor, it is not your job to help me with my essays unless I ask.
12. When do you hear back?
When I decide where I am going, I will tell you. The day I hear back does not matter.
13. Are you nervous?
No. I am totally chill about waiting to hear where I will spend the next four years of my life.
14. Have you read this article? It tells you all about how to get into college. I'll email it to you
That article definitely does not contain everything I already know and have been tirelessly researching.
15. Well of course you are considering "insert college they went to here." Right?
Where you went has 0% to do with where my best fit is.