If I had know then what I know now I would have….relaxed.

Figuring out where you’re going to spend the next four years of your life can be intimidating, to say the least. Between tours, interviews and deadlines, your life is completely consumed by college applications. And even after all the applications have finally been sent, you’re still not off the hook. You still have to endure the agonizing wait for those letters to trickle in after months of suspense. Then, ultimately, you still have to make that choice of where you’re going to live for the next four (or more!) years.

It may feel like you’re trying to decide the rest of your life at 18. But what you have to remember is this: choosing a college is not a multiple-choice test. There isn’t a “right” or a “wrong” answer. Sure, there are some colleges that will be better suited for you than others. Every college has its pros and cons, but what’s most important is what you make of the experience.

So now, what you need to do is relax. Take a deep breath. The college search is scary, but it will work out, I promise. There might be rejection letters, but keep in mind that those could open doors to other institutions you hadn’t considered before. But now, as you wait for the rest of those letters to trickle in, focus on enjoying the remainder of your senior year. It’s a time unlike any other, with people who will eventually go their separate ways.

Allow yourself to take some time away from stressing about college. Trust me, there will be plenty of time to stress about that later! However corny it sounds, just keep telling yourself that things will work out. Instead focus on soaking up every last minute of your high school experience!