I know how you feel: You're tired of people asking you which college you will be attending. You're done looking over the pros and cons of each school. You're nervous that you will make the wrong decision. You're afraid of how others will perceive your choice and how it will ultimately affect you. But it's OK.
Exactly a year ago, I found myself eager to finally decide on a college. I was so excited to narrow down my options, when all of sudden, the college process came to a stop. I was so excited to attend Accepted Student Days at my two favorite colleges, but I suddenly found that neither of them gave me the feeling I so deeply wanted. Each college I attended had so many positives, but nothing about them drove me to believe that the school was the perfect fit for me. This time last year was easily one of the most stressful periods of my life, but I'm here to tell you that it's going to be okay.
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As soon as I stepped foot onto Villanova's campus last April, I knew that I was meant to be a part of the Nova Nation. That being said, several of my friends were also accepted to Villanova and found that other schools were better options. No college is perfect, but I know that I made the right decision. You will know exactly where you are meant to be. Every college has positive and negative aspects, of course, but there is one school that is the right fit for you. If you don't find that in the first few colleges you visit, keep looking. While time does seem like a factor playing against you, you cannot settle on a school that you don't feel passionate about attending.
Never doubt your abilities. Do not choose a school because you think it will be academically less challenging. That being said, do not attend a college solely because it is academically well-received. Academics are important, but they are only a piece of your college experience. Find a school that will allow you to get involved. Ask questions! Find out how you can get involved on campus, whether it's through Greek life, performing arts, club sports, or another activity that suits your interests. Think about whether or not a school is going to let you thrive as an individual. College is not just about books and tests. It's about growing as an individual socially and academically.
You need to think about the people you want to be surrounded by. Whether we care to admit it or not, people always judge the students that they see while taking campus tours. You need to attend a school that you see yourself fitting in at. Do the students seem like you could relate to them? Are they friendly? Would you be happy to interact with those students each day? Are they academically driven? Are they enthusiastic about the school?
Besides the students and the academics, the best advice I can give during this stressful time is to forget what others think. I remember worrying that people were going to think less of me if I went to a less academically prestigious school or judge me for changing my mind after having my heart set on a different university. Looking back, those ideas were ridiculous. Nobody else is choosing a school for you, so why let everybody's commentary get the best of you? When it comes to choosing a college or university, the only person you need to impress is yourself. There are so many colleges in the country, but there is only one you. As long as you are happy and comfortable and working hard, then you should not regret any decisions you have made. Whichever school you decide to attend, understand that you are off to great places. Congratulations and best of luck.
