Many people discuss the preparation to apply to colleges and other tips, but very few discuss what to do once you apply and choose your school. Before I get into the period between choosing and starting school, known as the aftermath, I would like to emphasize that when making your decision, keep an open mind. Sometimes the school that is best for you is not the one you intended, so make sure to deeply evaluate your decision. I applied to quite a lot of schools, and I am now going to a school I did not

originally have on my radar but when I considered it, it was the best one for me. Now, if you have not already, I suggest you research your school’s activities, structure, and any other information you can find so you can be well informed. Many assume after you get in you just sit and wait until classes start, but there are some pre-arrival deadlines and details to keep up with, and a little extra knowledge of your school never hurt. I will honestly admit I was not very knowledgeable on my school’s functions even

after I enrolled, so it is never too late to learn. Also, I found various platforms such as Facebook a good way to get to know some of the people early on before you head to campus. In this electronic day and age, most colleges will have a Facebook page that you can join, which usually has most of the students introducing themselves and some pre-arrival information. The introductions are helpful to see if you relate to anyone and you can create some bonds early on. It definitely decreases any anxiousness about making friends. College is a blend of academics and social activities, so make sure to stay well rounded throughout.

During my aftermath process, I was briefly concerned about how I would stand up against my peers. Most people may feel like they have an inadequate amount of knowledge compared to their peers, especially at big name schools. I attended a small school for the arts, and while the education I received was spectacular, I still wondered how prepared I was. This is when socializing with your future classmates also comes in handy. Even though you may think you have nothing in common with these people and “got lucky” in the admissions process, talking with others make you realize you have more in common than you think. Now, if you feel like you would like to still brush up on things and educate yourself further, feel free, but there is no need to feel like you are not “smart enough.” I personally communicate with a math teacher at my high school and borrowed some of his textbooks to work out of and brush up on my math skills. Yes, you will run into someone who has an amazing list of achievements, but you will often find that they are ordinary people just like you. Another thing to keep in mind is that no matter what school you go to, it is no walk in the park when you start out. Everyone at some point will feel the rush of the college workload, but it is how you cope with it that matters most. Remain calm and never doubt yourself; keeping those two things in mind will take you far.

Of course, everyone’s aftermath experience will vary, but I wanted to focus on some things that stood out greatly in mine. If you take nothing else from this, remember that everyone is on the same journey as you. Even if it appears different, remember that everyone has more in common than we think. Take a moment to breathe, relax, meditate, or partake in whatever activity calms you, it is the best thing you

can do not only before you arrive, but through your college experience.