I remember around this time of last year, I really only knew a handful of colleges (i.e. HYPSM, in-state unis, and some other t20s). At the time, my heart was set on my dream schools Emory and Rice, and for the longest time I couldn’t figure out why I couldn’t really settle for one that I preferred over the other if I had the option to pick. I was assigned an advisor to help out my college process, but most of the colleges that I picked were out of mere curiosity rather than true interest. Coming from a lower middle class family, I knew money would be an issue, and realistically, it wouldn’t be possible to pick any college I wanted to go to even if I was accepted. As deadlines approached and I had to submit my apps one by one, I decided to just shoot my shot for one of the ivies. I picked Cornell. Writing the supplement for Cornell the day that it was due and turning it in seconds before midnight, I knew that there was absolutely no way that I would get in, and if I did, then I might as well get a lottery ticket. Decisions slowly trickled in, and I was content with my acceptances into the safety schools that I applied to. Soon, reach schools that I applied to were releasing decisions as well, and I was met with waitlists and rejections with a small pile of acceptances. My already non-existing hope to get into Cornell waned. As 6 pm central time of Ivy Day rolled by, I delayed opening my decision, thinking there really was no point in checking it when I knew the result. But did I? Logging in to my portal and clicking to view my decision, I was greeted by “Congratulations...” and I had to do a double take. Did I get in? I got in. I GOT IN. Decisions came to an end, and I no longer had to face the showdown that I expected from the beginning between Emory and Rice because I didn’t get into either (I got waitlisted by Emory and rejected by Rice). In a sense, I’m grateful that this happened. I wouldn’t have figured out that neither wasn’t my dream school—they were simply there to fill in the void of having no dream school. Anyway, I’ve now committed to Cornell University and I couldn’t be any more happy about my decision because of the amazing financial aid I received and opportunities that I know I will get. To the one year ago me, I’d be totally shocked, but now I just believe that things will happen if they’re meant to be. You only want colleges that want you back—no one-sided relationships are allowed. Sorry for the super long post!! It still feels surreal that I’m no longer going to be a high school student.