As the title says, I was crazy enough to apply to 22 colleges (mostly Early Action) this year, and here are some things I learned in the process.
I. Burnout is real
I have always considered myself a diligent student who got everything done by the deadline but
college application season definitely taught me that burn out was a BEAST. Balancing IB classes
with 22 college applications while applying to Honors Colleges and scholarships was not easy.
My application rounds started in June when I first started drafting my Common App personal
statement and it all snowballed from there. No amount of early writing could’ve prepared me for
the heavy amount of essays and churning out creative ideas I had to write. At one point, I even
started writing about being terrified of popping oil for a college essay because I didn’t want to
reuse topics. Yeah. Don’t do that.
college application season definitely taught me that burn out was a BEAST. Balancing IB classes
with 22 college applications while applying to Honors Colleges and scholarships was not easy.
My application rounds started in June when I first started drafting my Common App personal
statement and it all snowballed from there. No amount of early writing could’ve prepared me for
the heavy amount of essays and churning out creative ideas I had to write. At one point, I even
started writing about being terrified of popping oil for a college essay because I didn’t want to
reuse topics. Yeah. Don’t do that.
II. Kiss your sleep schedule goodbye for the next few months
Application season put my sleep schedule to the test. For the next few months, I balanced school
work, drama club rehearsals, assemblies, and late night meetings as I wrote supplementals before
heavy deadlines. For 5 months, I didn’t sleep before 12 am and spent my time by my laptop
typing or studying. My submission period started in October and I was running around the school
making sure everything was in order while trying to keep my sanity intact. From this, I learned
crazy time management skills as I balanced my IB internal assessment papers, advocacy work,
and college applications. I learned that to thrive was to prioritize, which meant giving up sleep.
However, I don’t recommend. Instead, just reduce the amount of commitments you make. Do not
overestimate your time like I did.
III. If its meant to be, it will be
Ah. Good old imposter syndrome. That sinking feeling that you aren’t capable of great things.
Don’t listen to it. Ever. Your low SAT score isn’t the end of the world and neither is rejection. I
strongly believe in the adage, “if its meant to be, it will be” and I stand by it to this day. When I
was deferred from my dream school that I even visited on my birthday, I was beyond crushed.
However with that, I forced myself to consider other options. I can say now that that deferral was
honestly the best thing that ever happened to me. As I sat surrounded by talented high school
students who have amassed to great things, I wondered if I was even worthy enough to be
selected. These students ranged from national debate champions to Coolidge Scholars and I felt
like I paled in comparison. I ended up winning the scholarship. Without that deferral, I wouldn’t
even have gone to my interviews that eventually led me to two full rides at different institutions.
If something was meant for you, it will find your way to you.
selected. These students ranged from national debate champions to Coolidge Scholars and I felt
like I paled in comparison. I ended up winning the scholarship. Without that deferral, I wouldn’t
even have gone to my interviews that eventually led me to two full rides at different institutions.
If something was meant for you, it will find your way to you.
IV. An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth
I had to choose between missing school for basically the entire month of February and back-to-
back college interviews, and I chose the latter. Although I struggled coming back and catching
up on missed work (I still am reeling from it), I had two life changing experiences in return that I
never would’ve had if I didn’t take a chance. Believe it or not, you are capable of many great
things so if a once in a lifetime opportunity comes up, take it. I travelled between Los Angeles,
California and Clemson, South Carolina within 5 days apart from each other. Both times I was
stranded at the airport overnight and questioned my life decisions, however, it will pass and you
won’t hate yourself for taking the risk. So as Nike says, just do it.
V. Take it one day at a time
There will be people who won’t understand why you do what you do. Believe me, too many
people have called me crazy for my decisions relating to application season. However, if you
know you can do it, don’t let people’s perceptions of you define your ability. You know what
you are capable of, so take it one day at a time and believe in yourself. Your hard work will pay
off, and it can be overcome. Persistence will take you very far in life, so be your own self-
advocate.
I wish the current juniors the best of luck with college application season. Remember to get
started early and trust the process. College admissions are so random and there is no “right” way
to do it, but being your authentic self is always the first step to become successful. Nobody
knows you more than yourself.
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