Lessons From a College Senior to a Highschool Senior

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Given that I am just semesters away from graduating, I wanted to take a look back at my time as a senior in high school applying to college and share some advice that I wish I knew back then. It is weird to look back four years ago because it feels like forever, but at the same time, it feels like I was submitting my application to Purdue yesterday. So much has changed in my life: I moved away from home, met so many amazing people, and learned so much. If someone had asked senior-year me where I would be in four years, I would have had no idea.


Research the schools you are applying to

This seems like common sense, but it is so important to understand what makes you attracted to a college and whether you can truly see yourself being happy there. Even though a college might be highly ranked in your desired degree program or sitting in a gorgeous location, that doesn't mean it is a good fit for you. There are countless factors to weigh when deciding on the best school, and they are different for everyone.

Really look into what you want out of your future. Think about what stands out at the universities you are looking into and what draws you to them. The more you research a given university, the more you will either fall in love with it or realize it's not for you. When I was going through the process, looking closely at my options helped me realize some schools weren't a great fit, which allowed me to narrow down my list early on.

Start applications early

College applications are stressful, but it is vital that they don't consume your entire senior year. I highly recommend starting your applications right when the Common App opens in August; this puts you in a fantastic position before school even starts.

I did this, and it allowed me to space out my work. It kept me from getting universities mixed up with one another and reduced my stress levels. Because of this, I never felt like filling out applications interfered with anything I wanted to do during the fall of my senior year.

Above all, I recommend applying by the early action deadline for your universities. You typically receive a decision much earlier, as someone who hates waiting, was amazing for me. It also gives you more time to choose a university before the May 1st decision day. (And if you are applying to Purdue, please apply by November 1st!)

Unexpected things may happen

I did not initially get into my top-choice university. In fact, I didn't get in the first two times I heard from them. I was deferred and then waitlisted from Purdue. (If you would like to hear more about that rollercoaster experience, consider reading my blog post here [link]).

Things did eventually work out for me, but I know that isn't the reality for everyone. Your worth is not determined by the outcome of your college applications, and in the end, everything will be okay. You might get into a reach school you thought was impossible, or you might land a full-ride scholarship. With college applications, you truly never know what will happen for better or for worse. The most important thing you can do is stay positive and spend time with the people who love you before you leave for school.

College application season is a crazy time for every high school senior. So, take a step back and remember to enjoy these final months. No matter where your applications take you, an incredible future is waiting for you.

Ellie Bergeron, Che 27



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