How Applying to College is Like Having a Baby

When you are talking to people, you have to act the perfect mix of excited, self-aware, and nervous.

You freak out last minute that you are totally unprepared for all this.

IT IS SO STRESSFUL

Everyone asks about top schools/top baby names, when you aren’t even ready to make that choice yet.

It takes over your life and all conversations.

When you are in a moment of calm, someone will come around to tell you how all the things you weren’t previously worrying about “will be fine”… commence another new anxiety.

No sleep.

You prepare and prepare, but so much feels out of your control.

Everyone is going to give you their unsolicited advice:

They ask invasive, judgmental questions—“Are you sure you should be exercising still?” “Are you sure you shouldn’t major in dance?”

They make assumptions of things totally out of your control—“You’re having a boy, right? I can tell from your belly.” “You’re going to S____, right? Both your parents went there so obviously you’re going.”

They give totally weird and unwarrranted suggestions—“Make sure you eat your placenta after!” “Pick up bassoon! Colleges like that.”