It’s late December, application due dates are approaching, every conversation you have revolves around your college decisions. Whatever you do now will leave a lasting impact in your life.

For the last fifteen years, us seniors have little to no choice on which educational institution we attend, and suddenly we are expected to make the toughest decision of our lives.

We are suddenly bombarded with an endless array of obligations that we must face: SAT’s, ACT’s, SAT Subject Tests, Naviance, College Board, Common App, supplements, Early Action, CSS profile...

At age 18, we are told that we have to make a life-changing decision that will impact us for the rest of our lives. In some way, this is true, but isn’t it true for every course of action we take?

The Washington Post stated that “only 27% of college grads have a job related to their major.” So why even study, you may be wondering. If not for the simple act of seeking knowledge, colleges develop one’s creative and analytical thought process.

Students can get caught up in where to apply and on university rankings. As Ms. Aguilar always says, “The good hen sings in any chicken coop.”There is no need to be in the most prestigious institution if the student maximizes their academic learning and external opportunities to achieve their highest aspirations.

The current college application system does not reflect the true importance of the decision. The scene is set up to make you believe that what you do now will affect you forever, but remember that you’re not going to master the rest of our life in one day. Just relax. Master the day. And just keep doing that every single day.