The College Process: a period of time where a student researches and visits different schools in order to decide where they want to continue their post high school education. This involves typing out countless college applications, feeling the dread of writing essays, and gathering recommendations.
We’ve all been there (obviously). Some had to choose between ten different colleges, and some knew where they were going since they were eleven years old. Certain parents even dressed their infants in onesies from their Alma Maters, clearly influencing their child’s college decision. Even though we try to find the perfect school and search until we get “the feeling”, it is not as much about where a student goes, but about what the student makes out of their college experience.
My dream school was Boston University (BU). The first time I visited, I fell in love with the city, the school, and pretty much everything about it. I applied to other schools just in case, but all my energy and effort went into making Boston’s application the most appealing. I applied Early Action to JMU and was accepted but I just kind of shrugged it off. Sure, I was glad that I was accepted into my second favorite school, but I was still anxiously waiting for BU’s decision to arrive in April.
So when the decision came, I was overly ecstatic when I saw I was accepted into BU. I was 95% sure I was going to attend. Still, I went to CHOICES at JMU just in case I changed my mind. Surprisingly, CHOICES dramatically changed my point of view. Listening to the different academic departments, hearing about student life, and walking the campus, I really enjoyed my day. Students passing by would ask if I needed directions, my lunch at D-Hall was pretty delicious, and the Hillside dorms became my first choice after viewing the McGraw-Long Hall.
BU’s orientation was the next day, so I took a quick flight and arrived to a great introduction to the campus. As the day went on, I realized I didn’t enjoy it as much as I thought I would for various reasons. But still – it was BU! This led to my huge dilemma about which school to attend.
It came down to decision time, and alas, I had yet to make one. I talked with my parents and they believed if I chose BU, I would have loans on my plate for probably the next ten years of my life. In the end, I thought I would be more successful at JMU, so I chose it. Â Do I miss Boston? Of course I do. Yet, I have learned that I can still achieve my ambitions at JMU, and decided to make the best of it. JMU is a great school with endless opportunities that I am anxiously awaiting to start!
“JMU was actually my last choice, but then they offered everything I was looking for, so I just decided to come here. I am so glad I did; I love this school!” JMU freshman Deena Agamy said.
I know many people probably did not get into their dream school, or rather settled with a state school because it was the cheapest. One shouldn’t be discouraged because it was not the ideal plan. Sometimes the best things come from the most unexpected places. Someone’s “second best” is probably another’s dream school. As long as effort is put into doing well, the friendships made and the knowledge achieved will be worth it so much in the end.
So here’s to a great four years at JMU!  But who knows? Maybe this JMU collegiette™ will return to Boston University for graduate school.  My love for the city is too strong to just say goodbye.