The student news site of Wayland High School

Wayland Student Press

The student news site of Wayland High School

Wayland Student Press

The student news site of Wayland High School

Wayland Student Press

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March 26, 2024
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The Scarlett Letters: Ivy green

Stressed about college decisions? We're halfway through March, and you're not the only one. (Photo Illustration: Aaron Kano-Bower/WSPN)

What is your GPA? OK, I got this one, easy. Where did your parents go to school? Ah, so simple. What is the highest degree you intend to earn? Shoot… er…is “not sure” an answer? Address of your school? Why do colleges even need to know this? Guidance counselor’s fax number? I would like to know why you are faxing my guidance counselor.

OK, so the goal of completing the Common Application on a lazy Sunday never happened. I decided to accept this as a fact. However, I still poured all my concentration into finishing my applications. I want to get into my dream college.

I am a true believer in the idea that there is a college for everyone. Yet despite this theory, most of us strive to get into a “good” school. The select few students try to achieve a school that has untouchable status, the “Ivies”. I can imagine the head-turns at the PTO meetings, as a proud parent discloses the name of the exclusive school their child is attending.

Once we decide where we’re applying, we conceal our choices, afraid that competing students will hear of that small liberal arts school and consider applying. Others buy a sweater from their favorite school and parade around, proudly showing off their school of choice.

Wherever we fall on the spectrum, I know we are all dreading the “small envelope”.

My nightmares about the small envelope from my favorite school are insidious. Every day I rush home to check the mailbox, and plow through the junk mail till my fears are extinguished.

Junior year, my SAT practice book stated on the first line that college is the most important decision in one’s life. However, I realize college is not the most important decision in our lives. I have faith that whether we take a gap year, or reapply next year, we will all find happiness if we pursue our goals.

Stressed like the rest,
Scarlett

 

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Comments (2)

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  • B

    boredinclassMar 28, 2011 at 10:00 AM

    Clearly the comment above is not a senior. I've never received an acceptance letter in a small envelope.

    Reply
  • S

    senyaMar 21, 2011 at 5:43 PM

    the small envelope thing is overrated. i know a lot of schools deliver in small envelopes, no need to worry

    Reply
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The Scarlett Letters: Ivy green