By Sara Madani

Looking back on my senior year as it comes to an end there are a couple things that I wish I had known before starting the college process and managing it alongside my schoolwork and social life.

1. Numbers don’t define you. Many colleges have gone test-optional in the past decade as they believe numbers do not determine someone’s intelligence and capability. I opted to submit an art portfolio instead of test scores to the colleges that allowed me to, and got into my top school. Even if you’re unsatisfied with a score on the SAT or ACT, those numbers don’t define you. You can always retake them until you’re satisfied.

2. The college search is not as scary as it seems. The idea of getting ready to move on from Upper School may seem intimidating, but Mrs. Wesneski and Mrs. Spearman, the college counselors, are there for you every step of the way with workshops and application pizza nights. Once you’ve narrowed down your list of schools, that fear of the unknown will turn into excitement for what’s to come.

3. Don’t try to apply to too many colleges. Though it may seem like a good strategy to get into as many schools as possible, in hindsight, the amount of essays and surveys you will need to fill out gets messy and overwhelming; instead, narrow your list to around 3-6 schools, including safety schools. You will be able to thrive wherever you choose to go.

4. Don’t apply to your top school first. It takes time to get the hang of the college application process; you will revise your common app essay over and over, and you’ll remember activities and achievements that you meant to add to your application after it’s already been submitted. You can put your best foot forward by applying the second or third time around, as you’ll have already gotten the hang of the process.

5. Senioritis is real. No one is immune! It’s tempting to goof off with your friends or watch a movie instead of doing your schoolwork, especially if you’ve recently gotten into college, but it’s still important to keep your grades up— you aren’t out of the woods yet. This is why it’s important to know your limits when picking your courses, as you shouldn’t overload yourself to the point of dreading learning— it’s something to relish in and enjoy.