How I Feel About the College Process as an Incoming Junior

In 7th grade, my mom started me with a test prep company. In 8th, I began working with an essay coach, and from 9th onward, college has been at the forefront of my mind—the driver behind which clubs I join, activities I participate in, and the classes I take. During the summer, I grapple with "do I sit, read, and study all day? or do I clean the house and gain valuable skills into being self-reliant?"

I love thinking about my future and having a goal to work towards, however, it begs a question: Once I reach that goal, what's the next one? Will my life always be driven by the "next" thing?

Next year will be my college counseling kickoff—the beginning of lists, essays, and visits. I'm inexplicably excited to figure out where the next 4 years of my life will be, but with that comes extreme pressure to succeed.

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The Pressure

However, this is not a new concept; any high schooler has felt some sort of pressure or stress in their life, whether it be academic, athletic, or otherwise. "Why not all A+'s?" my mom says after seeing my report card (all A's/A+'s BTW). "I don't get why you're not getting hundreds," my mom says "jokingly."

I know she's being facetious, but every minor decision, score, and grade I receive has made me think about those negligible numbers responsible for getting me into top colleges. The thing is, I'm intrinsically motivated to do well and to get into amazing schools. Any number of facets in the college process can be highly daunting, whether it be test scores, grades, extracurriculars, or figuring out what to write the infamous personal statement about.

Additionally, having a sibling may or may not help your case. In my case, it very much seems like it doesn't. My sister's a rising 8th grader, and I'm the oldest.

For whatever reason, it seems that all parents are hardwired to bring down the hammer on the oldest and sleep it off when it comes to the youngest. Any older sibling will know exactly what I'm talking about. It's an immense amount of pressure to both succeed and be a trailblazer.

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Take the Quiz: What Type of Student Are You?

From all-nighters to colour-coded planners, take this quiz to figure out your student vibe.

I Actually Like This Process

Aside from my many scuffles and complaints about the college process, I genuinely find it to be a really good process for young adults. It's a time for self-discovery, and to allow oneself to figure out what drives them. It's a chance for you to go up to teachers and friends and ask, "What are three words to describe me?" And, it's a chance to find out the types of environments and social scenes you thrive in.

The college process allows one to look inward and ask, "who are my people?" Are they the ones who spend all their time in the library, highly intellectual humans? Are they studying the performing arts and are into tattoos and piercings? Do they love football games and Greek life?

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Closing Reflections

The college process is a time for immense introspection and self-realization, and finding the best fit school can honestly be a byproduct of that introspection. I think it's extremely important to not let your voice be eradicated in the tumult of figuring out where you'll be spending your next 4 years.

Everyone will have an opinion—your parents, aunts and uncles, grandparents, neighbors, dentists, doctors—but it's seminal time for one to stay grounded and confident in themselves. To not conform to what a school or admissions officer might want to see, but to present yourself authentically and let the next 4 reveal itself to you. That's not to say you don't have to do anything, because you very much do, but I think the most important part of this journey is to stay firmly grounded and rooted in yourself.