The Class of 2024 is currently in the middle of their college application process, one of the most stressful times to endure as a high school student. On top of all of their school work, extracurriculars and social activities, seniors are working to meet their application deadlines, which are quickly approaching. Something that does not help to ease the stress of this process is constantly being asked about your progress, no matter who the questions are coming from.
Whenever someone finds out that you are a senior in high school, their response is always related to college. Some of the most common questions include “What is your top choice?” or “How are your applications going?” and it always causes unnecessary stress to whoever it is being asked to. Having to give the answer of what your dream school is or how much progress you have made on your applications is always met with some sort of comment in return. This could be a remark about how hard it is to get into the school just mentioned, when the application deadline is, or even the weather at the location of the school you want to attend. As seniors who are spending endless hours applying to colleges, we are well aware of all of these facts and details and do not need them to be mentioned in a casual conversation.
Outside of parents or other adults asking about the college process, conversations between classmates are also very stressful. Whether it is a friend asking if you’ve done a certain application yet or a discussion about everyone’s topics for their personal statements, all of the interactions lead seniors to compare themselves to others. While there are not any bad intentions behind these conversations, it can be scary to hear if someone is ahead of you on an application or has written a really strong essay, while you are still struggling to get started.
When asked how she feels about talking to friends about college, senior Saaniya Ravi said, “For the most part, we’re all going through this together. So, I feel like it’s somewhat helpful. So, I talk to them. But then sometimes, it’s also a bit stressful if someone’s like, ‘Oh, yeah. I’m already done with all of this.’”
Being asked about applications, whether it is from an adult or a friend, causes comparisons and doubt to go through the minds of high school seniors. Hearing that someone already submitted almost all of their applications or that a person said your dream school may be out of reach is not comforting during this stressful time. Especially now, as the deadlines are coming closer and closer, it is important to know that everyone is at a different stage in their process, and it is not beneficial to compare yourself to others.
“I feel like, as we get closer to submitting apps and the deadlines come even closer, it’s natural, especially in an all-girls school, to be talking about it,” said Financial Aid Associate and Counseling Assistant Kari Allegri. “But, I think everyone starts talking about it even more, and it becomes the only thing everybody talks about. And so, the pressure just builds to make sure you’ve submitted. And then, there’s a period of time where everyone is waiting, and it’s terrible because everyone just worries about and starts comparing classes, GPAs and everything they can find to compare about themselves.”
Everyone handles the application process differently, and we are all moving at our own pace and following different routes. The topic of college is one big “what if” for high school seniors. No one knows where they will get in, if they will get into their dream school, or where they will end up going next year. Everyone is trying to figure it out one day at a time.
The idea of deciding on their future within the coming months is not a fun discussion for seniors to be having. We are all trying to balance school, extracurriculars, social activities and college applications at the same time. It feels as if the past two and a half months of school have been filled with more stress than the first three years of high school combined. The constant weight on your shoulders of where you will go and what you will be doing in less than a year is only compounded by more questions being asked of you.
