College Conclusions

In this informative article, Hailie writes of tips for the final details of college applications, how to handle the stress of awaiting college decisions, and the many components involved in choosing a college to attend.

College Conclusions and Commitments: Choosing the right path ahead

By Hailie Zintzun

High school seniors around the globe are preparing for the daunting task of finishing their college applications as deadlines quickly approach. Whether one finds themselves in this year’s graduating Class of 2024 or will be graduating in the next few years, there are some key tips and pieces of advice that can aid in this process. While every individual may be on a different path to their post-secondary school plans, there are some elements that are a common aspect of each. Managing stress before decision arrivals is an important part of choosing a college. By having a clear, rested mind, the process will become less of a massive undertaking and allow one to focus on the facts of the matter. This will allow one to consider important aspects of the college decision process, and keep in mind deciding features that will help ultimately determine which institution is the best fit for oneself and one's goals for the future.

Most regular application deadlines are due between early January and the middle of February. With such fast-approaching deadlines, taking a few extra steps before sending applications off for good may help a person be more successful in their academic pursuits. Proofreading an essay to double-check for errors is always a good idea, especially when said essay could be a large contributing factor in an admission decision. It is also wise to remember that financial aid and scholarship forms should be submitted with the application, if possible. Giving the college or university time to assess these forms in advance could have an impact on admission decisions. If they only accept a certain number of applicants, then those who apply earlier (before the last-minute deadline) could have a better chance of obtaining one of those seats. Scholarships can have the same conditions attached, as there may be a maximum amount of scholarships available for a certain program that can be handed out each year. In competitive situations such as these, it is ideal to mind the deadlines and try to be ahead of the schedule for the best results.

Extracurricular activities hold a more prominent standing in a student’s application than some might realize. College Covered addresses the importance of extracurricular activities being stated on applications: “Detail any leadership positions you held and include anything quantifiable, like the amount of hours a week you spent babysitting or how many free meals your community service group delivered.” Applicants can often forgo providing an extensive list of extracurricular activities and details about them in favor of spending time on other parts of the application. This can actually be harmful, as colleges and universities often look for a sense of the individual in their holistic approach through their involvement in extracurricular activities.

Photo Credit: The Pinnacle Global School

Supplementary material can also be a “turning point” for colleges. If the school a person is applying to offers a chance for supplementary material to be submitted in order to showcase more of the applicant’s personality and abilities, completing this extra step could make all the difference. Catering this material to one’s academic interests is a good option for one aiming to get into a certain program or major. The Princeton Review shares this regard, remarking that “College supplementary materials should complement what you say about yourself in the rest of the application.” Finishing college applications can feel like a breath of relief an individual has been waiting for centuries to release. However, instead of rushing the final moments of applying, spending the last few instants double-checking the final details has the opportunity to have a sizable impact.

There are several stressful occurrences that come with the completion of a college application. After all the time spent preparing materials, filling out information, and gathering resources, it is natural for there to be some anxiety and unease that comes with letting one’s fate rest in another’s hand, so to speak. The unnerving feeling that results from being uncertain of a college’s decision can cause some needless worry as the months dwell onward. Until that point in time comes in late March or early April, there are some ways to relax the mind and set such worries aside for a while. Some may prefer to be distracted from their feelings towards this matter, which can be accomplished by spending time with friends and family, engaging in a hobby, or trying out something new. HuffPost states, “By getting really invested in something else, you won’t want to think about college—or have the time to. Plus, this could be a great time to uncover a hidden talent or to find a new passion, two things that will really help you pick a major to get into a certain club or activity once you get into college.” Others may very well choose to directly face their situation, and could find it useful to further explore the colleges they applied to, and the programs and opportunities that may be available in each of them.

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Discussing the college decisions and the impact they have on oneself with a close comrade or college alumni has the potential to alleviate some stress regarding college and offer some useful insight. By conversing with a close friend or relation, one can gain a different outlook they could otherwise be oblivious of and gain more insight into their college plans for the future. There is a sort of bittersweet element to college applications that may be best taken with a grain of salt. Becoming a bit too sold on one school, or as HuffPost likes to call it, “overhyped” on a college can lead to possible disappointment or negative connotations that stem from the period of uncertainty before knowing what the college or university has decided. Idealizing or having one’s mind set on their “dream school” could end up fostering false hopes, which can deter one from their other applications or career opportunities that are before them. Nina Wilmot, a college counselor, gave her advice to HuffPost, “ ‘Reminding yourself that there are good and bad things about each school you apply to is really important in waiting for college decisions,’ she says.” It is never a bad idea to have a back-up plan in case one does not get into their first-choice college or university. Having one can eliminate a good deal of stress that comes with waiting for decisions. Perhaps above all else, actively resting is one of the most effective ways to manage college-related stress. Take this time to reflect on all the work and effort put into applying, and congratulate oneself on the successes that were a component of this, such as maintaining passing grades, reaching out to recommenders, and writing exacting essays. A break is well-deserved and earned, regardless of whatever decision may find itself in your mailbox or email.

College decisions should be made with great care and consideration. Many elements can play into a college being the right fit for a particular person and their values in education. Location can be one of the most influential factors in this process. Some may desire to stay close to their hometown, while others have a wish to explore out-of-state options. Regardless of either, some advise against limiting a college search based on these considerations alone. BigFuture recommends to “challenge your assumptions about what will work for you.” They quote Luis Martinez Fernandez, who teaches history at the University of Central Florida, who claims, “ ‘You may not think you’re able to thrive in a large institution because you come from a small high school, but you actually may do better in that type of setting.” Similarly, some people may believe that to seek independence they must go to a school farther away. Choosing a college that offers housing can allow a student to both have independence and still be able to stay close to home. Financial considerations are a rather prominent theme when choosing a college. However, shying away from schools with a large price tag can mean that a person is unnecessarily limiting their options. There are many options for scholarships and financial aid that can greatly reduce the cost of some of the more expensive college options. The Dallas Morning News regards this matter, stating that “With little work on your part, there’s an excellent chance you and your parents will not have to pay the full cost of college out of pocket. Currently, approximately two out of every three students attending four-year colleges in the U.S. are getting some kind of financial aid that reduces their total costs.” While cost is a very crucial component of the college experience and the ultimate decision, it should not be hindering an application to a school one is interested in, especially if that institution’s financial aid could potentially cover the costs.

Choosing a college based on reputation, ranking, or appearance alone is not always the best course of action. If a college or university has an intriguing major or program that an individual is trying to pursue, or if there are internship opportunities that align with an individual's intended career, then these components should be put into perspective, as well. In the end, college is about the individual learning experience, and should be chosen based on what it can provide for said individual’s needs. Family and friends can sometimes put pressure on a person to favor a specific school. Despite this, it is important to remember that the choice is entirely up to the individual who will be spending their time at this institution, and their decision should be made with their best interests at heart. Being realistic is perhaps not the easiest task when it comes to imagining the next few years at a college, but it is needed in order to be honest with oneself about the possibilities of their future. Applying to prestigious colleges should not be avoided, but it is generally safe to not put all of one’s eggs in a single basket, so to speak. There is a probability that a college of higher rank and reputation will take more liberties in selecting their student body. Therefore, it is to be somewhat accepted that one may not receive the admission decision they had wished for. Being open to other schools and seeing what they can provide can lessen the impact of such a rejection, and help restore confidence in one’s abilities. Just because one college does not accept an individual does not mean that the individual should feel any less proud of their acceptance letters from other institutions or their accomplishments as a student as a whole. Keeping this in mind, visiting multiple colleges can help narrow down the choices from a student’s admitted pool of applications. There is much that can be learned from personal experience by viewing and learning more about colleges, which is otherwise unable to be recreated in other forms such as social media or the school website. Feeling out the place and getting an idea of what it is like to picture oneself there can change a student’s perspective and make the arduous process of choosing a college at least a little less complicated. Considering the different reasonings that are used to pick a college or university will only, in the long run, help to serve the individual who undergoes the task; the chance that they choose a college that they will continue to enjoy after their decision will be more all the more likely if they go through this thought process.

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Just when it seems like the hardships that come from the college application process are over, there comes the stressful task of waiting and receiving college decisions. The stress of waiting to hear back from a college has the capability to be countered by a variety of methods, including hobbies and the art of conversation. While it is an intimidating task to decide on the next step of one’s education, reviewing certain features such as cost, location, and personal career interests into account can benefit an individual’s ability to reach a conclusion. No matter how the decision transpires and how the outcome is made, as long as the individual who makes it is satisfied with their decision, then all is well.

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