Navigating Your Expectations for College

One of the biggest mistakes I made during the application and touring experience was basing decisions based preconceived notions. I knew that I wanted to start off my college experience as an undecided student. However, a majority of the schools on my list didn’t provide that as an option and didn’t have programs I could see myself fitting into. I ended up spending a lot of my time and energy touring schools that didn’t have options for me.

Tips:

1. Research student life and activities.
2. Look into specific programs that are offered.
3. Request information from the school itself or specific departments and programs.

Expectations for college can be very challenging to manage. I remember holding certain expectations for schools, and leaving disappointed and disheartened when they didn’t align with my college fantasy. When going through the touring and application process, there might be a point when you realize a school doesn’t live up to your expectations. That is 100% okay. Not everything in life goes according to plan, and especially in relation to college tours and applications. It’s important to try and manage your expectations in order to allow yourself to see and think clearly.

Managing expectations for college and maintaining an open mindset go hand-in-hand with each other. I found that being open-minded helped me to learn more about an institution, even if I wasn’t sure if it was the right fit. Open-mindedness allowed me to ask more questions. It also allowed me to take advantage of the time I had conversing with current students, faculty, and other prospective students. Overall, open-mindedness allowed me to make the most of touring and application experiences.

1. Be social and ask questions. The saying “there are no bad questions” holds true especially during the college search. I learned so much by asking simple questions to presenters, tour leaders, and students I was sitting next to.
2. Don’t give into speculation. Speculation and preconceived notions narrowly limited my attitudes towards specific programs and schools. A lot can be gained from entering the process with a fresh mind and clean slate.
3. Lean into discomfort. Try new things, and push yourself to step out of your comfort zone. College searches can be strange and uncomfortable — but the experience overall can help you learn so much about yourself.

Expectations are inevitable, but learning to manage them and navigate them with care helped me so much during my college search. We’re living in a strange and unprecedented moment, but that doesn’t mean that excitement for college should be lowered or diminished. The college search is what you make of it. So go forward with an open mind and positive attitude — it will help to make an experience tailored uniquely to you.