By Kaitlyn Purvis

The college application process. One of the most exhausting things that I have ever experienced and am still experiencing. Today, I will discuss how stressful, yet relieving, this process is on a person.

I have dreamed of college since 9th grade, when I visited Pennslyvania State University to watch one of the football games. The year after, I made a list of the schools I was considering. Those changed many times before I discovered my top four. In 11th grade, I was able to visit my dream schools and see the magic I had seen in the photos of the campuses. This year, I applied to my four schools on October 20, 2019: three through early action and one through early decision.

Throughout this process, I had to write one personal statement essay that was between 500 and 650 words. Additionally, I answered many individual questions for two of the schools. I had procrastinated much of my work for a couple of days before I handed them in, which was foolish on my part. One piece of advice that I would give to anyone applying to college is to take a proactive approach. I was gaining extra stress while completing my applications and essays under limited time. But, the second I handed all of them in, a wave of relief washed over me. I don’t know the feeling of being accepted yet but I bet it is an even bigger sigh of relief.

The process of applying to college can be stressful but in the end, it’s all worth it.