The Senior Commons' college commitment board begins to grow as students hear back from their top-choice colleges.
5:02 a.m. – Sleep. Don't think about it. Reacting while exhausted will make everything worse.
5:04 a.m. – But what if I get in? No, don't think that, don't jinx it.
5:05 a.m. – Why am I still awake?
5:09 a.m. – Don't think about the Early Decision letter. Oops. I'm thinking about it.
6:10 a.m. – I saw Dr. Loving's admission book. I know I'm not getting in.
Every interminable minute of every day this week, some Maggie Walker senior is going through this all-too familiar emotional rollercoaster. Some lucky students are already in their dream colleges, while others are still waiting to submit regular decision applications, due on January 1st. How has the application process gone for the average student? Not that bad, is the general consensus.
8:42 a.m. – Maybe I will get in? STOP! Be realistic!
10:55 a.m. – But maybe I will get in.
1:43 p.m.– Why did I ever think it was a good idea to apply?
3:12 p.m.– Did I say the right things?
The senior class has lots of advice for the class of 2018: Jackie's biggest piece of advice is to "let your real personality shine in essays and don't take yourself too seriously. I told Stanford about my love for One Direction—very unintellectual tidbits, but it fleshed me out as a person and, apparently, they liked it." Another helpful piece of advice: "if you're a legacy, or your parent graduated from where you're applying, some schools will meet with you one on one and give you advice for your senior year schedule, and then once you apply, they'll keep track of your application and make sure it gets read by the admissions director himself," said Hannah Tuten.
4:22 p.m.– Only 38 more minutes. Where did I go wrong?
4:58 p.m. – Oh gosh. I have no chance.
5:02 p.m. I'm…deferred? What the heck does that mean? And how many hours are there between now and March?