2017 Admissions Decisions Roll Out

I know! It's intense. Final admissions decisions are rolling out regularly now, and on a daily basis you and your peers are experiencing multiple emotions all at once. It's a tumble of a time.

Keep in mind that the admissions process is mysterious and unpredictable. Each year, my colleagues and I find ourselves facing surprises in the application process. The student who did get in and the student who didn't. One thing we know for sure is that you can never know for sure.

While I know this is a challenge, try to separate any rejections from your sense of self-worth. You can use the surge in feeling to be especially caring of yourself and your friends. See my tips at the end for ideas!

Hold tight! It will all be over by early April, when you can relax and enjoy the excitement of making a final decision. Making this decision isn’t always easy. Many seniors may head out for spring break to tour the colleges that have admitted them. Others may come to a decision after reviewing the pros and cons in each admissions offer.

If you are having trouble deciding, consider these steps:

-- Be holistic. Don't focus on one single thing that you like about the colleges you are considering–the dorms, the internship programs, a professor or student you met. Try to think about the whole picture. Where do you feel that you can be and do your best?

-- Research the happiness rating. Take a careful look at the happiness rating of the schools that have admitted you. You can find this on the student review websites, Unigo or Niche. If you visited the college, then give it your own rating from your real-life perceptions and interactions. Just walking through campus can sometimes provide this feeling that you've found your place.

-- Network. Talk to students from your high school who are now attending the colleges you are considering. Your counseling office may supply the contact information for these students.-- Tune In. Sometimes students opt for the most prestigious college instead of going to the college that makes them feel at ease and in their element. Be careful. You may regret this decision. Ask yourself which campus most excites you as a person. Where do you feel that you will thrive?

-- Pipe up. If you have been deferred or waitlisted at the college you most want to attend, write a letter of renewed intent. (Exception: Do not send a letter if the college admissions office indicates that they do not want any follow up materials.)

-- Think sideways. Discuss the financial differences of your offers. If one offer is significantly less in cost, consider negotiating with your parents. For example, if you go with the more affordable offer, can you use the remaining funds for graduate school or for some other experience that will broaden your experience and worldview?

-- Negotiate. If you have been offered financial or merit aid at one college, but not at the college you most want to attend, contact admissions at the more desired college and ask them if they can match the award. Yes! You can do this.

As for getting through these next few weeks, here are some helpful tips:

-- Have faith! Come May 1st, you will be joyfully committed to the new path before you.

-- Reset. The emotional rollercoaster can take its toll. Do not fall prey to senioritis which can reverse admissions decisions. Instead, find a way to reset and get some perspective!
 - Choose gratitude. Write a letter of appreciation to yourself, to a friend,   parent or teacher. There is a lot of evidence out there that diving into your sense of gratitude–for your life and the people in it–can quickly heals pain and grief.
 - Grab a friend and go out for a treat or go somewhere you haven’t been--perhaps you can do both at Voyage du Temps Cafe in Los Altos.
 - Relax for a few hours at Immersion Spa where you can soak for $25.
 - Get natural! Take a long hike in Purisima Redwoods, walk at Half Moon Beach or bike the Baylands.
 - Get out of town. Take the train up to San Francisco and explore the Ferry Building.