11 Of The Worst Experiences High School Juniors And Seniors Have When Applying For College Admissions | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Sports

11 Of The Worst Experiences High School Juniors And Seniors Have When Applying For College Admissions

Are you ready for the next four to 12 years of your life?

186
11 Of The Worst Experiences High School Juniors And Seniors Have When Applying For College Admissions
Pexels

Most people are completely done with their college admissions and are anxiously awaiting their results. They deserve tons of appreciation and cookies. I would look to the seniors in my school this year and I think, "Man, I wish they would calm down, they're freaking me out when I have two years left; I don't even get time to miss them!" College applications can be stressful, but they are extremely important, as a college degree is necessary for a decent paying job. Let's take some time to reflect and vent on the worst parts I've seen and you've experienced, I'll join the party soon enough.


1. Searching For Colleges

Small, medium and big class sizes, city, suburban and rural settings, so many choices, so little time. Sometimes you'll find tons of schools that seem like good choices and you'll have a hard time narrowing down your list. Sometimes that list doesn't stay consistent. Others will have an extremely strict list, and others will have absolutely no idea which school to pick. Choices are difficult, and choosing your colleges is just as important, if not more important than the choice the admission officer makes.

2. Learning The Terms

When first learning about the college admissions process, it all seems like a new language. Early, restrictive and regular action or decision — the several application platforms and their format and the paperwork. It all seems like a huge headache to get it all together, but luckily, there are guides and dictionaries for all of the terminology. Still, it takes a lot of time to even wrap your head around some of the concepts, but in due time, they will make sense.

3. Money, Money, Money

Seriously. Unless you have fee waivers for everything, which even then still takes up a lot of time. You have to pay for your applications, your SAT's, ACT's, SAT Subject Tests, portfolio submissions, AP exams and CSS profiles. Oh, and the tests also need extra fees for each school you need to send scores to. This means that for those without waivers, the college application process, when applying to about seven to 10 schools, can cost you up to a thousand dollars. Ouch.

4. Parents...

We love you, most of the time, but they can be very restrictive when it comes to the college admissions process. Some parents want their children to stay close or to reach for the dream schools, but this can put on extra pressure that the child does not need. Other times, they'll disagree with your major of choice, which is not a fun time for anyone. It's definitely fine to consider your parent's wallet, but don't throw out what you want for your future for what they want.

5. Time No One Has

If the college or university I'm applying to wants a good application, I'm going to need some time to work out some good essays. Problem is, I've got things to do after school, and then, I have homework. Oh, and then there are the other scholarships I have to fill out to pay for the college I'm applying to. I've had some of my friends actually give up submitting scholarships because their applications needed more attention.

6. School Selectivity's Effects

There is never something scarier to seniors than a college with an acceptance rate lower than 25 percent. Never can anything kill self-confidence in your application quite like that. The top schools with acceptance rates lower than ten percent will straight up cause high blood pressure, I'm sure. It hurts to see the people you admire the most in school just freak out and doubt their abilities. After all, if they don't get accepted why would you, which in turn just causes even more stress on their poor unfortunate souls.

7. Meeting High Scores

Scores aren't everything, admissions officers will say not to worry too much about your scores in comparison to the rest of your application. This is true, but it doesn't stop applicants from worrying and going to check application data on the average or highest SAT or ACT scores for a college. GPA is also in the same category, but if you take hard enough classes, it can more than compensate for what you believe is a lackluster GPA.

8. Paying For College

Most of us are trying not to get into debt, OK? Financial aid is extremely important, and applying to scholarships, grants and services like FAFSA is stressful. Other people have issues finding scholarships. As previously mentioned, some scholarships take up time that you may need for your college application. Thinking about money means thinking about responsibility, and no one's really ready for the heat yet, unless you pay all of your bills.

9. Fear Of Rejection

This is completely normal and it occurs often, but please don't ever let this deter you from applying to the school you really want to go to. I hate that mindset a lot, it makes sense to fear rejection, but what have you got to lose? If you need a good reason to not to apply to a school, let it be because you don't like the school. That seven percent acceptance rate does not stand a chance against you, you shall not fear it!

10. Feeling Inadequate

Much like the fear of rejection, this happens often, and as I've mentioned earlier, too often. It's one of the worst things I've seen come out of the college admissions process, and I can't say I won't fall into that trap either. It's a really comfortable trap. Websites about college admissions can be really helpful or provide points of comparison between the students posting and the students reading which can be toxic. The term "chancing" literally made some of my friends cringe; I couldn't tell whether it was out of fear or anger. No one should feel inadequate when they've poured hundreds of hours into their schools and education.

11. Being Yourself

Those essays take such a long time because most of us have trouble describing ourselves. How can I describe myself with the word limit? A human is very complex, and showing all those sides of yourself takes self-reflection to do it effectively. Self-reflection takes time and effort, and some students don't have the time to sit and think about why they really participate in those extra curricular activities or spend that much time doing homework. Your motivation is one of the most important parts of yourself to demonstrate on your application, and with good reason, how else will you motivate yourself to stay awake during lectures or all-nighters in college?


Let's all take some deep breaths and try not to rush the wait for college decisions. They don't need to come right now; they will come eventually. And when they do, remember that it does not define who you are or the worth of what you have done. Whether you get into that really selective school or not, it's still up to you to make the most of your college experience. If you didn't apply to a selective school, still feel proud of yourself, because you are furthering your education and no one can take that away from you. Get yourself a treat, you guys deserve it.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

10 Things To Know About The First Semester Of College

10 things that most incoming college freshmen have no idea about.

439
campus
Pexels

Starting college is pretty scary and fun at the same time. You are free of your parents(in most cases) but this is the first time you have no idea what the heck is going on. Here are 10 things you may want to know going into your first semester.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

The Daily Struggles of Being a College Commuter

It's not all morning coffees and singing along to the radio.

1218
The Daily Struggles of Being a College Commuter
morethanwheels

I've been in college for four years now. I spent half my time as a commuter and half as a resident so I've experienced both sides of the housing spectrum. One thing I've learned comparing the two is that my struggles as a commuter far outweigh anything I went through while living on campus. Commuters have to deal with the problems school brings along with a slew of other issues; I've filled up my gas tank in the worst kind of weather conditions and napped in random places in public more times than I'm proud to say of. This is a list of some of the most challenging aspects of being a commuter.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

15 Times Michael Scott's Life Was Worse Than Your Life

Because have you ever had to endure grilling your foot on a George Foreman?

3923
Michael Scott
NBC

Most of the time, the world's (self-proclaimed) greatest boss is just that, the greatest. I mean, come on, he's Michael Freakin' Scott after all! But every once in a while, his life hits a bit of a speed bump. (or he actually hits Meredith...) So if you personally are struggling through a hard time, you know what they say: misery loves company! Here are 15 times Michael Scott's life was worse than your life:

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

12 Midnight NYE: Fun Ideas!

This isn't just for the single Pringles out there either, folks

17985
Friends celebrating the New Years!
StableDiffusion

When the clock strikes twelve midnight on New Year's Eve, do you ever find yourself lost regarding what to do during that big moment? It's a very important moment. It is the first moment of the New Year, doesn't it seem like you should be doing something grand, something meaningful, something spontaneous? Sure, many decide to spend the moment on the lips of another, but what good is that? Take a look at these other suggestions on how to ring in the New Year that are much more spectacular and exciting than a simple little kiss.

Keep Reading...Show less
piano
Digital Trends

I am very serious about the Christmas season. It's one of my favorite things, and I love it all from gift-giving to baking to the decorations, but I especially love Christmas music. Here are 11 songs you should consider adding to your Christmas playlists.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments