As a senior I have sadly had to face the college application process. Here is what I have learned:

1. Be prepared for the questions.

Literally everyone and their grandma will ask you about college. They’ll ask where you’re applying, your intended major and later on, where you got accepted. Some people who are private or superstitious might have issues with this invasive questioning. However, I was not shy or offended and would often talk people’s ears off about the schools I was applying to.

2. Everyone will be talking about it.

It will feel like every single topic of conversation revolves around college.  Whether it is GPA, SAT/ACT or extracurricular activities, after a while it gets so stressful, and there were several points where I doubted my ability to get into college. Newsflash people: this is normal. (And if any college conversation gets too stressful, you can always change the conversation by complimenting someone’s shirt.)

3. There will be times of doubt and frustration.

I promise that the overwhelming stress you are feeling is normal. Everyone is stressed about something during this process. It can range from financial issues to deadlines, and even being away from home for the first time. I find that a good cry, followed by a good laugh with the company of a good book or movie helps, but that’s just me. Sometimes talking about your frustrations to a friend, counselor or parent can be super helpful.

4. The stress of applying for any and every scholarship you are eligible for.

If you are one of those people who doesn’t need to worry about the cost of college tuition, I, along with many others, envy you. I hadn’t even gotten into college and my grandparents and parents were already mentioning scholarships. Don’t get me wrong, I completely understand the need for financial aid because my parents are helping me pay for college, but it often can be suffocating.

5. The fears and confusion about deciding between schools.

Deciding where to apply and when to send the applications is always stressful. Some people are lucky and are one and done while others apply to upwards of 12 colleges. Some people can wait until March to find out, and then there are people like me that simply would not be able to survive waiting that long to get acceptance letters. Either way, this part of the college process is especially individual. Each person is different. I promise there will be a college for you.

6. The unsolicited advice from others.

While I completely understand that you mean well, ultimately if you aren’t paying my college tuition, your opinion is very low on my totem pole. I am not you. I also understand that journalism is a dying field and that teachers are underpaid and under-appreciated, but that’s what I want to do. Please don’t tell me that being a teacher is horrible, or that I need to apply to more schools. I’d like to find this stuff out on my own.

7. The amazing feeling of getting accepted.

Not going to lie, getting the call that I got into my dream school and dream program felt what I would imagine getting drafted into the NFL feels like. I experienced an overflowing amount of happiness, hugs, high fives and the happiest tears that I have cried in my 17 years of life. Everything that went into this process was all of a sudden worth it. Finally, every single ounce of work I put into this is paying off.