It Will All Work Out In The End: College Decisions

This episode revolves around Nadia's college application and decision process! She discusses her experience with college applications, now two years out and a second year at Northeastern University in Boston, including the challenges of writing essays and completing supplementals. Nadia also reflects on her decision to apply early decision to Barnard and her feelings of relief when she was deferred. She shares her thoughts on choosing Northeastern University and how she believes she could have thrived at any of the colleges she applied to. We also offer advice to high school students, and emphasize the importance of trusting your gut and not settling for a college based on reputation or others' opinions. We also discuss various aspects of college decision-making, including taking advantage of opportunities, considering financial assistance, transferring schools, and the benefits of attending the same school as a sibling. They also touch on the sense of community at Northeastern University, despite what some may claim, and the flexibility of the academic program. Ultimately, it’s important to find a school that aligns with your own personal goals and values. Don’t let rejections deter you from living your dream because after all, rejection is redirection!

Takeaways

• College application processes can be challenging, particularly writing essays and completing supplementals.

• Applying early decision can provide a sense of relief, but it's important to consider if it's the right choice for you.

• Reflecting back, Nadia believes she could have thrived at any of the colleges she applied to.

• Trusting your gut and not settling for a college based on reputation or others' opinions is crucial.

• It's important to remember that it will all work out in the end and to make the best of any college experience. Take advantage of the opportunities presented by each college decision.

• Consider financial assistance and merit aid when making a decision.

• Transferring schools is always an option if the current school doesn't meet expectations. Community college is a great option.

• Community can be found at any college, even if it may look different from traditional expectations!

• Flexibility in academic programs allows for customization and exploration of interests.

• Choose a college that aligns with your personal goals and values, as opposed to prestige or where others think would be best for you

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and College Application Season

03:00 Challenges of Writing Essays and Completing Supplementals

06:04 The Decision to Apply Early Decision

10:54 Reflecting on College Choices

15:54 Trusting Your Gut and Not Settling

24:46 Making the Most of College Opportunities

25:39 Considering Financial Assistance in College Decision-Making

26:43 The Option of Transferring Schools

27:23 Benefits of Attending the Same School as a Sibling

32:46 Finding Community at Northeastern University

35:00 Flexibility in Academic Programs

43:31 Choosing a College that Aligns with Personal Goals and Values