Staying True to Yourself During the Application Process and Beyond

By: Elizabeth Daugherty

Harvard. Yale. Columbia. Princeton. Stanford. CalTech. MIT. Duke. Vanderbilt. Cornell. Rice. Berkeley. Hopkins. Brown. UChicago. Penn. 

Literally Magical: "The Happiest Place
on Earth" 

These and other “tier one” institutions read like a spell and cause students to transform themselves via an almost magical process into someone that they think would be attractive to these institutions. They are the prayer of every parent and the nightmare-like dream of every student, and no wonder. Look at the USNWR or QS International Rankings and it is clear that all of these names are a top twenty staple year after year like Chanel or Burberry at New York Fashion Week. During the application cycle, it is so easy to be drawn to a certain college for various reasons: the reputation of their academics, their athletic prowess, surrounding geographical attractions, etc. Furthermore, during college, it is not uncommon for students to try and reinvent themselves among their new peers, anxious to impress or "fit in" with a specific group of students.

Case in Point

Consequently, applicants oftentimes forget who they are and try to reinvent themselves, whether unconsciously or otherwise, in order to be seen by admissions or their newly acquired peers as a good fit for the school. They suddenly recall their love of endangered Amazonian frogs or obscure Russian number theories, pouring their heart and soul into an essay on this newfangled subject, dedicating their lives and future careers to ensure that this topic makes frontline news, that it “changes the world.”

While there is absolutely nothing wrong with wanting to change the world, remember that YOU are also part of this world, and as such, do not forget to make yourself happy as well by following your passions and not simply what society (e.g. professors, friends, parents, classmates, social media) designates as being worthy of your attention. Making a difference does not have to entail refreezing the polar icecaps and success does not necessitate having a degree from a top twenty university. Moreover, it is not defined by ranking, salary, or even recognition, but rather the realization that a positive difference is being made and that it is being done with a smile.

Family Christmas photo
2013; no kidding

Moral of the story: if you are considering an English major, do not apply to MIT just because you love the way their name looks on a sweatshirt cough that-was-me cough; do make a list of your priorities and not just stick to it, but also believe in it (whether you are looking to get a 4.0 or you are still looking for your perfect school) because it is your dream and there are infinitely many ways to achieve it; and lastly, do not forget that you are only ever going to experience this moment once in your life, so relish and enjoy it as much as possible!