Jackson Free Press

The pressure is intense. Starting at the beginning of 2010, colleges already expected something out of us [seniors]. Some wanted applications, but all of them encouraged their applicants and parents/guardians to fill out the glorious FAFSA form. Even though I'm pretty relaxed now because some of the pressure has been released (I've been accepted to some places :D), I still can't help but believe that to do so sooner is the best thing I can do.

And now I'm being reprimanded for everything. If I don't understand a concept in college jargon, oh yes it's MY fault. Example: I didn't know that the Common Application doesn't allow students to change their application. There is only one time that one can submit it to the database so that it can be sent to any college of that person's desires. This means that I can't change the stuff that college admissions staff look at, such as essays, activities, anything! Ugh! If only I'd known before (Okay, it was in FINE PRINT), but the Common Application is wayyyyyy better than doing the same general application over and over and over again.

Of course, I've read books and internet blogs about applications, interviews, and advertising oneself, but a lot of people that I have held short conversations with on this subject are patronizing when I say "I don't know - out-of-state definitely," and "I don't know. I keep changing my mind, but a lot of people major in one thing and make a career in something else." Then they heckle me with DEADLINES, stating that "they'll be here before you know it" and "short-term pain equals long-term gain." It's hard for me to decide what colleges I want to send my high school portfolio to since I don't have the luxury of easily-acquired money or the assistance from fee waivers. I have to make tough decisions, which is why I didn't pursue Brown University ($75, three essays, and I didn't decide on wanting to apply until last week). Even after acceptance, the process is certainly not over.

Yet, I want this to be over. I know about the financial worry, but I hear that everything is much easier after May 1, so I'm anticipating that day. However, I don't want it to get here too soon because then I'll have a lot of hard decisions to make. Dear DEADLINE, thank you for adding meaning to my life!