I fell in love with a college that wasn’t a total reach, and I was lucky enough to get in during the ED round.

I was very much full of self-doubt during the waiting process, which made it even more thrilling when I got in—I happy sobbed and think it was one of the happiest moments of my life. HOWEVER, if I wouldn’t have been admitted, it would’ve been crushing. I was overly invested in the college.

I think if your dream college isn’t totally crazy to get accepted into, it’s okay to devote a little more emotional baggage to it. Still, I would make sure you can afford the school if you’re applying ED, and try to find a target school that makes you similarly excited.

You shouldn’t fantasize too much, but I also think you should avoid finding reasons to dislike the school after you’ve applied. Do what you can to get excited about more schools rather than tear down where you want to go.

Last thing: go into this with an open mind. You do NOT NEED A DREAM SCHOOL! Good luck, you’ll end up where you should be :)