Applying to colleges is like standing on the edge of a cliff, unsure of whether you’re about to fly or fall.
From the moment junior year ends, I felt the pressure kick in.
“Where are you applying?”
“Do you have a major picked out?”
It felt like I was expected to have my entire future mapped out overnight. Before I knew it, I was drowning in college essays, deadlines, and recommendations. Is my writing good enough? Did I apply to too many schools–or not enough? What if I don’t get in anywhere?
Every little thing felt like it could make or break my future. The thought crossed my mind more than once: Maybe I should just drop out and hope to marry rich.
But then, finally, I hit submit. For a few days, life felt lighter. No more late nights scrutinizing every single line of my essay or refreshing the Common App to check if my counselor submitted my transcript. I could finally enjoy a free moment.
However, that moment didn’t last long. Applications were just the warm-up. Now that I’ve finished, I get to start the whole process over again for scholarships.
It’s like deja vu. More essays. More deadlines. More competition. More stress. This time, though, it felt even heavier. Would I graduate with debt? Could I afford the schools I dream of attending?
If there’s one thing I’ve learned from all the chaos and stress, it’s that you learn how to handle it. Planning for a life after high school isn’t just about where you get accepted or how much scholarship money you win. It’s about figuring out how to juggle responsibilities, ask for help when you need it, and remind yourself that you’re doing all of this for a reason.
Senior year is a whirlwind of emotions–excitement, nostalgia, and stress all rolled into one. But in the end, it’s worth it. Whether it’s college acceptance, scholarship success, or even a backup plan (marrying rich will always be an option, right?), the clarity comes. For now, all I can do is breathe, stay focused, and trust the process.
