Wow. To think in just 3 short months, you will be waving goodbye to high school, you will know where you will be attending college for the next 4 years, and you will be officially "living on your own". As scary as that seems, it's a transitional step that we all are supposed to take in helping us grow as individuals. After going through the college application process and getting ready for college, I wish someone had told me these things before, so I'm going to tell you them now:
1. You will end up (most likely) where you are supposed to.
I was so paranoid when I was receiving denials and acceptances that I would not pick the right school for me. Even after touring schools and hearing about them, you still don't know fully if the school is for you until you experience it. University of San Diego wasn't my original first choice, but after one semester, I came back home over winter break, boasting about how happy I was and how USD was the right school for me. It doesn't happen to everyone, but most people do have a similar experience.
2. Life goes on if you don't get into your dream school.
Yes, it was a very sad day when I got denied from my dream school twice, even after appealing the denial, but life goes on. Maybe there was a reason I was supposed to get denied and not end up there. Everything happens for a reason, and I know it sounds cheesy, but it's true. I couldn't be happier with where I am now.
3. DO NOT STOP GIVING EFFORT FOR AP TESTS.
I did not realize how important AP tests were until I got to college and realized I came in with 13 credits. That can be equivalent to a semester. Especially for second semester seniors, I know that you're done and you are so ready to graduate, but just keep going a little longer because these credits can really benefit you in the college world. No one told me this before, and I wish someone did.
4. Spend as much time with your friends as possible.
Once college comes, your friends will begin to dissipate believe it or not. Some you will keep in touch with at least once a week, if not more, and others you will rarely talk to, even if they were your BEST FRIEND in high school. Distance is hard. I suggest while you're still home to soak up all the time you have with your friends. There will be a select few that will be your life long friends. The others will slowly fade out.
5. Adjusting won't be the easiest thing in the world, but you can do it.
Going into a new place, new city, new state for some of you, adjustment is hard. You are stressed about making friends, living with roommates, doing laundry without the help of your mom, and figuring out how you can get through college without starving. Take one day at a time. Your RA's and other people on campus want to make this an enjoyable process and will be there to help you adjust to the new independent life.
All in all, enjoy these last few months. Try hard in school, spend time with your friends and family, pick the school for you. It will all workout in the end, and if it doesn't, then you can always transfer. Whatever happens, make sure you're happy in your new environment. I wish you all the best of luck. College is fun, I promise!
