Incoming ninth graders are not worried about college. For them it seems like a millennium away. They rather focus on the present and adjusting to BHSEC’s type of critical thinking. However, college lurks just around the corner terrifying the students as they walk blindly into the college transfer office, and for BHSEC students the idea of college comes two years earlier. It is stressful to do well at school, apply to colleges, and contemplate the future. This pressure is demanding, and the fantasy of college soon transforms into reality.
The best way to avoid a dreadful college application experience is to start evaluating strengths, weaknesses, goals, passions, learning styles, social skills, and questions. Learn more about appealing colleges and rule out those that seem unattractive. Enlist help in dealing with the pressure and the process of getting into college, whether it may be from parents, teachers, siblings, relatives, or friends. Read about colleges and search the schools online at collegboard.org to learn more about their curricula. Converse with college advisors about future plans, in order to get back good advice and be guided efficiently. Visit colleges, go on tours, and always ask pertinent questions. The key to avoiding painful pressure is to start early and learn as much as possible.
College is not far away and should not be ignored. This ignorance, usually bolstered by procrastination and denial, will affect the future and make college more stressful than it actually is. Many students already have judgments about college and give up in the hopeless pursuit to find the perfect one. Here’s a short true or false quiz students usually answer wrong (try to answer them):
True or false, “good” colleges require the SAT?
True or false, there is only one right college for every student?
True or false, taking both the SAT and the ACT exams will double the student’s chance of college acceptance?
True or false, visiting colleges is relatively a minor aspect of the college process?
True or false the selection process at all colleges are the same?
All of these answers are FALSE!!!! Students make generalizations before they fully develop their understanding of a college’s expectations. There are 2,000 four-year colleges in the United States in which 90% admit most applicants. Unrealistic snap judgments cause pressure, which leave little room for students to explore the college process. The pressure is rough leaving students crying, freaking out, and collapsing under the weight. It’s OKAY to freak out, cry, and want to give up. However, continue to persist and dream, for the pressure will soon be relieved.
Is the pressure too much? It definitely is, but it’s a learning experience. The important thing is that pressure should not get in the way of destroying one’s chance at college, ruining one’s social life, or leading to catastrophic disasters. Remember that many people have gone through this process before and many more are going to, so always look for help and seek guidance.