Why a Woman's College?: A Reflection on My College Application Journey

It’s finally March which means only three more months until graduation for the Class of 2018 (sigh). But before we can celebrate the end of our high school careers, we must decide where we will be spending the next four years of our lives. I understand the anxiety for all seniors is high as we begin to hear back from our colleges this month. Regardless of your college’s decision, I want to remind all of you that over the past four years you have all worked hard, achieved many amazing goals, and you will do great things no matter where your destination in life lies. I know you probably have heard it all before. So, instead of saying it again, I am going to share with you my funny, and, hopefully, inspiring college application journey.

At the beginning of senior year, I was stressed out. While everyone had taken their SATs and talked about applying to their dream colleges, I was still trying to decide when I was going to take my first SATs (spoiler alert: I didn't take them!). Instead of finishing up the easiest part of the college application process earlier, I decided to spend the previous summer writing my college essay and finding time to study for the ACT instead. Looking back, I'm glad I chose to focus on my writing first. Despite what students believe, the college essay is such an important aspect of your application. Your distinct voice separates you from all other students applying to the same college as you. Given that I was never a strong test taker, I knew that the writing portion of the college application, along with my grades, curriculum, and extracurriculars, would be more to my advantage in admissions committee.

By October, I had already completed the Common Application, completed my brag sheet, and asked for recommendations. It seemed like I had my life together, but the reality of my situation couldn't be any further from the truth. The daunting task of having to decide my future when I wasn't happy with my present made me feel like I was drowning and I couldn't find a way to reach the surface. Talking to my parents and reaching out to other students in my position helped me realize that I couldn't let the process of applying to colleges take a toll on my mental health. College is a big change and applying can be extremely stressful as I am sure many of you know by now, but with patience and determination it became manageable to finish all my applications.

Throughout the rest of the college process, I wanted to keep a positive and confident attitude. I told myself that no matter what happened, I would find where I belonged. I wasn’t hoping to be accepted to an Ivy League school (although, I did love Yale); I just wanted a school that would recognize my passion for Biology and English, and my innate sense of curiosity and creative independence. Is that too much to ask for? Surprisingly, the answer is no.

The first two colleges to pique my interest were Smith College and Sarah Lawrence College. Both schools are regarded as some of the best national liberal arts schools in the country, but

that's not why I applied to them. One of the largest of the seven sisters schools, Smith College challenges women to empower themselves. Due to its flexible liberal arts education, I could major in the biological sciences with a specialization in genetics, minor in English, and take a wide variety of other courses. Similarly, at Sarah Lawrence I could create my own educational path and devour the knowledge that I have been craving for in an atmosphere that would give me educational freedom. Of course, there were other schools on my list but Smith and Sarah Lawrence were strong fits for me. I still wondered whether I was a fit for them.

I took my chances and I applied early decision to Smith College. Originally, I had intended to apply early decision to Sarah Lawrence since the acceptance rate is much higher than Smith’s. However, I felt very passionate about Smith College’s emphasis on female leadership and being able to thrive in an environment that is geared to breaking the boundaries of what it means to be female and motivated to succeed.

After weeks of waiting, on December 14, 2017, I was admitted to Smith College. Through all the doubts about my future, stress, and anxiety, I learned that I never needed to worry because I was going to find a place that would accept me for who I am and what I am passionate about. I am proud to call myself a Smithie and I look forward to meeting amazing women that will change the world, as well as become one.

Throughout the college admissions process, we have all taken different paths and approaches to our futures. No matter where your path takes you, believe that you are going to find success even if you choose not to go to college. As all of you seniors out there hear back from your schools, I wish you all the very best and I hope that you all find the right college for you. We ALL deserve the best, no matter the destination that lies ahead.