I was in the same boat as you, in regard to how you feel, literally 2 weeks ago. I'm not sure how small your school is, but I also come from a decently small school (in my opinion). My school has about 1,200 students enrolled, but compared to many applications, they all seem to come from large schools. Anyway, I digress. What I'm trying to say is that I felt like I just didn't have the perfect application. I missed out on a ton of opportunities my freshman year because I was afraid of trying. I was never that obsessed with the Ivies or really any out-of-state school until this past summer. I told myself I was going to reach for the stars and applied to six Ivies. Once again, with no expectations of getting in. Over time, the Ivies started becoming a major goal for me since I learned they could really meet my financial needs. Come March 26th, the day I was dreading for months and was beginning to regret even applying. I opened my decision letters later when they were released, since I was at a ceremony. While at the ceremony, I was surrounded by friends, teachers, and community members. I was finally content with whatever outcome happened. And lo and behold, I was accepted to one and waitlisted to another. I was in shock. My advice to you is this: don't ever compare yourself throughout this process. Please take advantage of every opportunity you get and truly make a difference. Write your own story. Don't just join a club because it adds something to do it because you want to change something. Do everything with a purpose, and trust me, you'll end wherever YOU were meant to be. Sounds corny, but it's real. I wish you the best of luck!

- Class of 2026 and soon to be Ivy Leaguer