First of all, a big congratulations is in order – the hardest part of your pre-collegiette years are officially over! Now it’s time to celebrate with prom and, oh, a million graduation parties. Between your friends’ parties and your own, expect to talk to a lot of people about college. While most people will attack you with compliments and hugs, others might ask questions that are a little… uncomfortable. What’s an (almost) collegiette to do? Since you’ve already mastered answering awkward question during the application process, we’re here to offer simple ways to deal with questions after you’ve made your decision. You can thank us later for saving you from a potentially awkward situation.
Question #1: “”Did you get a scholarship?”
Is it just us or is talking about scholarships really uncomfortable? For every person who scored a scholarship, several well-qualified students didn’t. Use this opportunity to set the record straight! If you did get a scholarship – congratulations, by the way – don’t be afraid to say so! But don’t panic if you didn’t. Instead, answer this question with a simple “no” and add that you’ve worked hard during high school and cannot wait to continue your academic success in college. It’s simple, polite, and leaves no room for annoying follow-up questions.
Question #2: “Was that your first choice?” (When it really wasn’t.)
Though you may want to say, “No, b*tch, I got deferred then declined from my top choice” (college brings out hostility in even the classiest pre-collegiettes), you simply can’t. If the college you’re attending is and always was your number one, go ahead and tell them. Okay, but what are you supposed to do if your school didn’t have you at hello? Keep it positive! “It wasn’t originally my first choice, but I think it’s a great school and I’ll fit right in,” answers the question while keeping the conversation upbeat. For an extra dash of optimism, talk about all the awesome academic opportunities your school has to offer or even a club you’re dying to join!
Just don’t forget that honesty is the best policy. Bethany Christie, a sophomore at Lafayette College, dreamed of attending Villanova University. After being deferred, waitlisted, and finally accepted to Villanova, Bethany decided against her number one school and went to Lafayette. Instead of a simple “no,” she makes sure to tell the whole story.
“I tell them the truth,” says Bethany. “Granted, this is probably a lot more detailed of an answer than they bargained for. I feel proud of myself that I was able to make the choice I did and show how I’m successful in the life I was able to choose for myself.”
If your college decision has a story, don’t be afraid to share it! After all, they’re asking you!
Question #3: “That’s pretty expensive, how are you paying for that?”
Unless you’re going to be an economics major, nobody really likes to talk about money, especially college tuition. If you’re comfortable with discussing your money matters, go ahead! Just remember to stress how fortunate you are to go to such an amazing college, regardless of your financial situation. But don’t feel pressured to dish about your finances. Call us crazy, but your old third grade teacher (you know, the one who randomly sends your family Christmas cards) doesn’t need to know if you’re taking out student loans or not. Simply saying that you and your family are working out the details will suffice. Oh, and don’t forget to quickly change the subject to the yummy spinach and artichoke dip.
Question #4: “Why are you taking a gap year?”
When a lot of people hear someone’s taking a gap year, they instantly think, “Oh poor (insert pre-collegiette’s name here), she didn’t get into college.” It’s time to set the record straight! Whatever the situation may be, answer honestly. Don’t forget to add a touch of optimism. For example, if the thought of going to school for another four years makes you unbearably anxious, emphasize that you’ll be eager and sharp for when you do head off to college. If you’re trying to make money to pay for school, don’t forget to add that the work experience will look great on your resume. Whatever your reason is, the positive spin will make people admire your decision.
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Question #5: “So where are you going to school?” (Followed by an awkward, blank stare when you answer.)
If you’re attending a school that’s more obscure, don’t be surprised if you receive a few confused looks. “I’m a freshman originally from Minnesota, but am currently attending school at the flagship university in Missouri,” says Sydney Nolan, a freshman at the University of Missouri-Columbia and HC Contributing Writer. “When I explained where I was going to college, a lot of people didn’t understand where I was going to was, in their minds, just a basic state university located eight hours away from home. I got a lot of blank stares.” Though it may be annoying (and you may wish you could just play your response on a tape recorder), you have to explain your decision to whomever you’re talking to. “I eventually started answering with both the name of the school and the fact it was the world’s first journalism school to help people understand my decision a little bit better,” says Sydney. After this conversation, they’ll be sure to remember your school.
Question #6: “Aren’t you a legacy there?”
While you and your parents are excited to share the same alma mater, some people may be under the impression that your acceptance is no coincidence. Catherine Sourbis, a sophomore at Tufts University whose parents are both alumni, knows that humor is the perfect way to address this question. “I’ll tell people that everything down to my baby jumpers had the Tufts logo,” Catherine. A comedic approach answers the question and shows people that you’re totally comfortable with attending the same school as your parents.
Not in the mood to crack some jokes? Keep this answer short and sweet by saying how honored you feel to continue the legacy.
“Despite my jokes, I’ll always treasure walking past the same library or dining hall that my parents did thirty years ago,” says Catherine.
Question #7: “Isn’t that a really big party school?”
Be honest: a college’s social life is a huge factor when you’re making your final decision. Nobody wants to sit around and do nothing weekend after weekend. But it’s also awkward when someone, let alone an adult, recognizes that your school’s most popular extracurriculars include keg stands and ABC parties. “Whenever I tell people that I go to Ohio University, they usually laugh and make a comment about Halloween or the fests in spring,” says Jessica Salerno, a junior at Ohio University and HC Contributing Writer. “It can get uncomfortable, especially if they don’t know me very well.”
Although you’re secretly counting down the days until your first college party, you can’t tell your best friend’s aunt that! You shouldn’t lie about your school’s reputation, but you should also talk your school’s great academic opportunities.
“I usually tell them that I’m a journalism major and the E.W. Scripps School of Journalism is one of the best in the country,” says Jessica. “Or that any school can be a party school if you want it to be.”
She has a point: it’s college! You’re supposed to have fun!
Question #8: “Is that a good school?”
Sure, everyone knows how prestigious Harvard, Yale, and the rest of the Ivies are. Other schools’ reputations are a mystery to some. Obviously, you wouldn’t attend a school that didn’t impress you; however, what are you supposed to say if you’re not going to an Ivy League-esque school? The answer is easier than you think! Saying “It’s a great fit for my academic interests” acknowledges the question and provides a smooth transition to talking about your major.
Uncomfortable questions are never fun; however, you need to learn how to answer these pesky “ice breakers” in a classy, collegiette manner. After all, rolling your eyes will only get you so far. The ugly truth is that awkward conversations don’t end at graduation–you’ll be plagued with questions from frat bros and professors before you know it. As long as you remain calm and answer with a smile, there’s no question that you can’t tackle!