“The Golden Rule” of college decisions

In the coming weeks, many of your peers will log into their application portals, take a deep breath, and make that leap of faith. Writing college essays was more than a challenge. Each student made an attempt to define himself in strict increments of 150-to-650 words. But the most difficult part of the process began after these essays were polished and completed. 

From New Year’s all the way through to the end of March, the majority of the Class of 2025 made a weak attempt to hide their feelings and nerves beneath a cool demeanor. Yet each day that passed only added to the internalized stress that comes with waiting.

     Now this wait is finally over. 

     While we hope that every member of the Class of 2025 is welcomed into their first-choice school, some may be unhappy with the first sentence of the virtual letter. Some will feel cheated and their efforts all for naught.

     To those that are lucky enough to read that coveted word at the top of their letter––Congratulations!––we ask you to be mindful of your words and actions. Be proud of yourself, but remember that your unbridled excitement can make those who were simply told “no” without reason even more hurt. 

Approach the topic with care and caution and make sure you ask your Sixth Form friends how they are doing.

     Conversely, if you feel disappointed by the outcomes of your hard work, keep your head up: everything happens for a reason. Use this time to weigh your options and find the place where you will be happiest for the next stage in your life.

     And to the rest of the school, keep these situations of your brothers in mind. Approach the topic with care and caution and make sure you ask your Sixth Form friends how they are doing. 

     Senioritis, coupled with the tension of these decisions, creates an environment full of stress and confusion. Be there for one another, smile humbly if you get in, and hug—or at least perform the COVID era equivalent—someone who does not. 

     Put yourself in someone else’s position, and ask yourself, “How would I want to be treated?”