#college application tips
I’m currently sitting in the library’s quiet room, with the intent to study, finding myself working on my transfer application.
I feel really sad, writing this, in this somewhat beautiful library. I feel very disloyal and rude writing my transfer application essay here. I feel bad writing it in general. I should be studying, that’s why I came here, but I can’t focus. All I want to do is write this damn essay.
I don’t really know what about this school I don’t like. I’m not sure why I don’t feel like this is me, why I don’t feel that this is where I’m meant to be. Everyone talks about how their university “is home” and how they just knowthey belong there. It’s been almost a month since classes started, so maybe that sense of belonging-ness will develop after time. This is one of those things where someone will pipe in and say, “only time will tell.”
Except I don’t want time to tell. I’m extremely impatient and hate the idea of waiting for something that may never come, especially something so intangible as feeling like I belong, like this is meant to be. Who knows, maybe I’ll end up transferring somewhere and feel even more out of place there.
But, for right now, writing this essay is really hard. I want it to sound great, but I know in the back of my mind that there is a very little chance that I will be accepted. With the amount of undergrads already at my dream school and number of transfer applicants and my academic history, I don’t see a whole lot of light at the end of the tunnel. It’s still worth a try.
Fin.
To all the students out there preparing or filling out college applications: don’t freak out.
Take it from me - no matter where you go, you will not be unhappy. College is a pretty big deal, but where you go will not dictate your life and your experiences. Here are some words of advice:
1. Only apply to schools you feel confident about. Applying to schools that don’t have your major or interests is a waste of time, energy, and money. Apply to schools you would be proud to attend and can see yourself at. This was a struggle for me - I wasn’t accepted into my dream school, but my backup school was still one I would be comfortable with attending (I know I didn’t come off that way on this blog).
2. Don’t lie on applications. You want a university to want you for YOU, not for this made up person on paper (or, in most cases, online). Of course, bring out your best qualities and characteristics, but don’t go telling a school you are the president of a club or founded a group, if it isn’t true. Be you!
3. Don’t get stressed if you don’t get into your first choice. That was me. I was crushed and felt sad, which is normal and OK. That was something people often forget to mention: it’s okay to be sad about college. There are so many other universities out there (approx. 2,169!) and you will find one that you will fall in love with.
4. Make the best of the school you’re at. I thought I would hate my school, but after being here for two weeks, I’m realizing that I do like it. I like the city (town), the school, and the people. Give it some time. And if you’re going to your first choice, don’t go in with extremely high expectations. Be realistic, but still have fun!
Good luck to everyone sending out applications this fall and winter. You’ll all do great!
Fin.
