Hey Kid,

So you've finally come to that point in education where you really have to think about your future. I'm really sorry but this is definitely the hard part. So buckle up and get ready for the toughest couple months of your young life. You're going to be touring numerous campuses and writing draft after draft of the essays that feel monumental. It's all very overwhelming, I know.

I'm not going to be one of those people telling you not to stress because I don't think that's very helpful. I remember what it's like to be an overwhelmed high school student thinking so much about schoolwork and applications that I forgot to have a life senior year. I think that's pretty unavoidable, honestly. So I'm not going to tell you not to stress. You should stress. What I will say, is don't destroy yourself over this. Make sure you're eating well and drinking water and sleeping. It sounds trivial but it makes all the difference. The better you feel physically and mentally, the better your applications will turn out. I promise.

Now, after all of these applications are sealed and sent (metaphorically, of course, because everything is online now) stop thinking about them. I understand that is easier said than done but it is possible. There will be months of waiting to hear back from your schools and that is probably one of the worst parts of this whole process. So every time you start obsessing over their decisions, try to focus on schoolwork or friends or even take up a new hobby. Anything to distract you from the uncertainty is helpful.

Lastly, comes the worst part. When you get those responses, odds are they won't all be acceptances. Upon receiving a rejection, the first thing you should do is let yourself be upset. Take a few hours to eat things that are bad for you and not look on the bright side and watch sad movies and not be okay. Then, take a moment to remember that you have other options and you don't want to be at a school that didn't want you. As someone who was harshly rejected by her dream school, I am here to tell you that your second choice is not the end of the world. Your second choice is probably beautiful in ways you aren't even aware of and I swear it is not full of idiots. My second choice school is the best thing that ever happened to me and it is exactly where I belong.

The last thing I'd like to say is thank you. I am about a month into college life and all I can think about right now are papers and midterms. Then, I saw you. I saw the way you looked at this beautiful school that I've become too accustomed to. You made me take some time to sit on a park bench and really look at my school. Thank you for reminding me why I chose to make this place my home. You'll find your home too. This is the hard part, but you got this, kid. I know you do.

Good Luck.