By Katelynn Luu
Everyone says that senior year is the best year of high school, specifically the second semester. “First semester is awful with college applications,” people have told me. When walking into any classroom full of seniors, the tension and stress of the process is palpable.
It seems only natural to stress about the college application process; it can feel overwhelming as if every word in your essays or every activity you list on your application will determine your future. But with my UC applications turned in and my Common Application on its way, I’ve experienced joy and pride through the application process that overrides my fears and anxieties.
More than just determining my future, the college application process has allowed me to reflect on my past years in high school. As I’ve listed my activities and written essays on how I’ve grown, I’ve rediscovered how my values and character have changed based on my experiences.
Some activities that I listed in my application have been important to me since my freshman year, and I can’t lie—as a senior, I’m feeling burnt out. However, writing my applications has rekindled my passion and gratitude for my clubs and extracurriculars; I’ve remembered all of the amazing opportunities and growth my extracurriculars have given me.
Not only am I inspired to continue my hard work in my various activities, but I’ve also been inspired to focus more on giving back to the communities, such as school, church and clubs that have offered me the rewarding experiences I’ve described on my college applications.
More than anything, the college application process is a chance to brag; it’s a chance to look back and say, “Look at everything I’ve accomplished and all of the impacts I’ve made.” Rather than worrying about whether or not what I’ve done is enough to gain the college acceptances that I’m seeking, I’ve focused more on what I have done. Through my reflection, I’ve discovered that I’ve accomplished a lot more than it feels like I have in my everyday life—my daily choices and actions have led to bigger impacts that I’ve only just realized and recognized when writing my applications.
I won’t lie: shifting my thinking that way has been difficult. However, I’ve found the shift to be rewarding, not just helping me build a better application, but also helping me realize all of the lessons that I’ve learned through my high school journey.
Whether you’re a senior now finishing up your Common Application or a future senior, don’t let the anxiety of college applications take away from the amazing opportunity that writing an application offers to reflect on your high school experience. Focus less on the outcome and more on the process. You may surprise yourself with what you discover about yourself and your past actions when you take the time to reflect.
