College Applications: Expectations Vs Reality

1. Expectation: Let me submit the application then I am done

Reality: After submitting the application comes the annoying part

January 15th was the date I had in my mind when all of my applications would be submitted and I could relax after that because all that had to be done would be over. This was completely incorrect. Honestly the work after finishing the applications was even more tedious. This was because of the fact that while submitting the applications I was using the centralized platform (Common App) but now each college was emailing me separately asking for school marks (which I had already provided) as well extra essays

2. Expectation: I’ll only apply to these 5 colleges

Reality: 25 applications sent

When you first shortlist colleges, you imagine only these 5 colleges that you want to go to and apply to but it is only after the first rejection you get that you realize the importance of having backup choices. When applying you must make sure you don’t set an unreasonably low number of applications (keep backup colleges apart from your dream schools) but also not an unreasonable large number (it will be a pain to write so many essays lol)

3. Expectation: Standardized tests- One and done

Reality: 4 attempts later

Many people plan on giving just a single or even just 2 standardized test attempts. In my personal experience, I took the ACT 4 times before I ended up with a score I was happy with. I am not saying that you should be a perfectionist and not be happy with the score you get. I am saying, plan well and give yourself time for multiple attempts in case you need them. Also if you don’t get your desired score, don’t beat yourself up, there are a lot more things which go into your application than a few numbers

4. Expectation: Top Ranking = Good

Reality: Find your good fit

Many people become obsessed with the best ranked colleges and think that their careers will make or break because of this rank. Trust me, it is far more important to find a college which is a good fit for you. You will be spending 4 very formative years of your life there. You will grow a lot more and enjoy a lot more in a medium ranked college which is a good fit for you than a well ranked college which is not a good fit.

How do you find your fit? We’ll talk about that in another blog

5. Expectation: I got accepted into all of the places I applied

Reality: The many “We regret to inform” letters I had to read

I still remember out of the first 3 college decisions I got, there were 2 rejections and 1 waitlist. I was extremely disheartened. Then a month later I finally got my first acceptance which was an immense relief. Overall I got rejected by around 50% of the colleges I applied to and the success rate was approximately the same for my friends as well. So, don’t expect to be accepted by all places, rejection is a part of the process