My freshman year of high school, I was addicted to college decision reaction videos. Youtube was flooded with them, all following the same pattern: a high school senior, often with their family in the background, opens their college decisions for the first time in front of a camera. They cry over the acceptances, cry over being waitlisted, and cry hardest over the rejections. High emotions make great entertainment, and there was so much emotion in the students recording themselves. My own process has been nothing like that.
At the time of writing this, I have most of my decisions in, a mix of acceptances, rejections, and deferrals. I cried over none of my decisions, and only got excited over two. Even then, the giddy joy faded after only an hour or so. I have spent all of high school thinking about college; why do I feel nothing when it’s finally so close?
One reason could be a disconnect between acceptances and attendance. Getting into college and going to college are separated by at least six months, and can sometimes be almost a year apart. It almost may not fully sink in when you do get accepted. Most Ann Arbor students spend their whole lives dreaming of getting into the University of Michigan, and a screen with some pixelated confetti on it may not feel real.
Without excitement, it’s easier to be overrun by fear of change, insecurity over rejections, or just the extreme indifference of senioritis. If you’re fighting these negative emotions, here are some tips to get you excited.
- Try to get involved early
Lots of schools have virtual events, visit days, and social media accounts for incoming (or potentially incoming) students. Going to campus is a great way to start picturing yourself as a student, and visit days (which can start as early as February), provide extra opportunities to experience the school. If that’s not possible, look for web seminars. They have the same effect while also providing useful information on housing and financial aid.
- Do more applications
The last thing more seniors want is to fill out more applications, but most colleges have additional programs and opportunities for accepted students. Scholarships and majors are one thing, but many schools also have exciting things. Living Learning Communities (LLCs) are selective housing groups focused around a theme, often art, business, or volunteering. Many schools also have study abroad programs for students to embark on the summer before their freshman year (MSU has a particularly strong one).
- Research!
Every college in the country offers an incredible amount of opportunities. Look at clubs, classes, and school events that are offered there. Picturing yourself at a school is easier when you have an actual idea of what you could be doing. Setting goals and identifying areas of interest are also great college prep in general.
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