I had a multitude of topics about which I planned to create my first blog post. I wanted to talk about parenting styles, teaching methods, social structures, and about a million other things. However, I finally landed on the perfect topic. This topic (which you are already aware of because of the title of this post) is one of the most stressful yet impactful aspects of high school today, and it is none other than college applications.
Every time I say the word “college,” even if it’s just in my head, I feel like it needs to be accompanied by a dramatic duh duh duhhhh right after it. It seems that one way or another, I have been working towards the goal of attending college my whole life. After all, my college application is pretty much my entire life story. Of course, my story is confined within the bounds of formal tonality and specifically directed questions, but it is my life nonetheless. So, if I am simply telling the story of my life when filling out these college applications, why do I always get so nervous when I think about it? The answer is simple. It’s because I’m not supposed to simply talk about my life and who I am. I am supposed to mold myself and portray my life in a way that appeals to prestigious institutions. I’m not supposed to talk about myself; I’m supposed to talk about who they want me to be, this perfect, well-rounded, all-knowing individual who’s only blemish is probably something formulated strategically to look good in a personal statement and show character development.
Well, here’s the problem with this. I’m not a perfect, well-rounded, all-knowing individual, and my life has been a life of privilege, completely void of crippling losses or life-changing incidents. And this ladies and gentleman, is the ultimate effect the college admissions environment has had on today’s youth. It actually has us wishing we suffered something tragic just so we can use it in our college applications and somehow appeal to the hearts of random admissions officers.
Of course, it wouldn’t be right to criticize the system as a whole. College is a necessary institution and there has to be some sort of admissions process so only those who are willing to work hard can attend them. However, my problem is not with the process itself; it’s with what society makes it out to be. No one would feel any pressure to abide by the many rules of college applications if those around them didn’t encourage it. There are numerous videos online of exactly what steps to take throughout high school to maximize your chances of getting into a prestigious college. However, one should not have to follow a pre-planned blueprint for success in high school. One should simply be able to pursue activities that interest them and then go on to attend an institution that specializes in said activities or is very strong in them. This way, students can pursue what they want to, but also be set for the future.
Usually, these online videos do address the fact that students should pursue what they are passionate about, but in most cases, this seems to be an afterthought. There are very few videos that really emphasize the importance of not doing things just to put it on your college application.
So, what can we take away from this? If you are in high school or even if you’re in college and are starting to apply for jobs, do NOT try and create a version of yourself that you think will please admission officers or committees. Just be yourself and do what makes you happy, and if you do this, the right college or the right job will most definitely find you.
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