With the end of March and the beginning of April, most high school seniors have heard back from their variouscolleges and are deciding on where to go. For some, it's an easy choice. For others, it's wicked hard—yes, I just said “wicked." Can you tell that I ended up at school in Boston?—and I just want to serve as every student's fairy godfather, warranted or not.
1). It's Okay to Have Been Rejected: I feel like nowadays, people—parents, guidance counselors, friends—put so much pressure on you to get good grades, have good extracurriculars and impress each and every college that no one talks about the aftermath, and the fact that you might get rejected. High school seniors are taught that each college application is a bloodbath, and that you have to be at the top of your game to get accepted. But that leaves high school seniors who get rejected…feeling rejected.
So I'm here to tell you that it's okay to be rejected. I was rejected from my top choice, and I immediately burst into tears. Okay, that's a lie—I managed to make it to my car to cry in private. But honestly, two years later, I couldn't even tell you what it was that I liked so much about that school. I'm incredibly happy where I am, and the struggles and successes I've had, and the many friends I've made, I know wouldn't have been the same had I gone elsewhere.
2). Go Where You Want To Go: Obviously take into account financial aid and the best place for you to be physically, mentally and emotionally, but go where your gut tells you. Parents and friends and guidance counselors all have the best intentions, but they are not you. So if you want to go somewhere, but your parents are telling you it's not the right choice, listen to what your intuition says and think about why you have that notion. Chances are, your instincts are correct, and try to convey the reasons behind those instincts to your friends and family.
3). Be Happy: Yay, you got in! Once you've decided on where to go, take a step back from all the stress and the tribulations and allow yourself a congratulatory pat on the back. Junior and senior years of high school are tough, and they put you to the test—weak pun, but I'm proud of it—and you made it through. You're stronger than you know, and you're a more mature, grown-up person because of what you've done.
4).Don't Hold Onto Jealousy: If someone you know got into the college you wanted, or the program you coveted, and you didn't, don't be jealous. Universities receive thousands of applications every day, and in all likelihood, that person didn't take your spot. And they probably deserved to go just as much as you do—regardless of the death stare you're now focusing on them. Everyone's path is different, and instead of envying someone who's on their path, focus on yours.
5). Enjoy the Rest of Senior Year: Now that the stressful part is over, you have a few months to sit back, relax and enjoy your friends and your family. College will move all of you in different directions—sometimes you'll keep in touch, sometimes you won't—but don't see that as a threatening menace. See it as a reminder to cherish the time that you do have, rather than the time that you don't. These people have known you for a long time, maybe four years, maybe a lifetime. Spend time with them before you all go off onto bigger adventures.
