This is the second in a multi-part piece on the college application process and adjusting to life after OSSM. A group of seniors sent questions to their seniors from last year, who are now in college, and they replied with their answers. Enjoy!
On Getting into College
Although college applications are nearly over, what do you wish you had done differently with your college apps?
Honestly, I was pretty prepared for the application process. I would say you’re fine as long as you have a well-defined plan and you are committed to it.
Tips on handling the wait?
The wait, oh my the wait! The day I got my decision for Williams I spent entirely in the computer lab. I was just sitting there refreshing the page - It was the first and only time I had skipped class. It was unnerving each time I refreshed and nothing had changed! Until that day came, I had handled it pretty well - I spent a lot of time tricking myself that it was really far away. Just push it out of your mind until its right on the brink then let it consume you - that’s what I did and that is what winners do.
Tips on handling rejection?
I’ve visited sooo many schools up here in the north east. I have friends at Harvard, Princeton, Yale, MIT anywhere good really. Over the course of the last semester I’ve visited them and all the illusions of grandeur I had about them are dispelled. Believe me when I say this, you’ll end up where you’ll be happy. I know that is not comforting to hear, but it’s all I can tell you. YOU F*****G GOT THIS.
What should you do to improve chances if you were deferred/waitlisted?
I think most of the academic/extracurricular/recommendation stuff is already set in stone by this point. If you want to increase your chances SHOW INTEREST. Do it, I talk to my admissions officer Eddy ALL THE TIME. (He is looking out for applications from OSSM by the way :))) and he tells me that they are really just looking for interesting people that are sincere about the college. I’m sure this mentality carries through to other admissions departments.
How do you cope with senioritis during and after the college app season?
Friends. OSSM is a prison and you can’t get through it alone. Drugs are bad.
...And Beyond
Whatʼs been the biggest challenge going into college from OSSM?
OSSM wasn’t hard enough. As crazy as that sounds, the jump from your sending school to OSSM is small compared to the pilgrimage that is the jump from OSSM to college. Granted, you’re better prepared academically than those around you (mostly). OSSM fails to prepare you for the unfettered freedom that is college. You’ll see things you never thought were possible, or even legal. You’ll do things you can’t see yourself doing right now. It’s a wild ride and as long as you hang on it’ll take you places.
Whatʼs the best/worst part of your last semester at OSSM?
Best: The last night was the best singular night (or the day I wrestled Kelechi and WON.) However, the best day-to-day thing was simply having friends around me at all times. I couldn’t feel lonely or bored with them around. Please please please, hug your friends and tell them you love them. Play pranks on them, just really appreciate them. If you end up at the same college - great. But if you don’t - your friendship will be defined by your memories until you meet again.
Worst: The anxiety attached with the college process. I understand it. It’s going to be there through your senior year and you just have to swallow it. IT IS ALL WORTH IT IN THE END.
What was the most memorable part of second semester, especially the last night after the senior dinner leading up to graduation? What emotions and thoughts were you experiencing?
The most memorable night was definitely when Shrocka Flocka stayed up with us and watched a movie (District 9). We were up until like 2 AND SO WAS HE. Looking back, I feel like I learned a lot about him and his role at OSSM. It’s hard to criticize because he is still human. And during graduation all I could think about was that.
I felt conflicted, I was moving to Massachusetts for college. Nobody was going to be less than 2 hours from me. I felt afraid about what I knew I was going to have to let go. But at the same time I felt hope for the new opportunities that I would encounter. My thoughts are still jumbled on the matter, but overall I felt honored - honored to be friends with so many great people and honored to have the opportunities I do have.
Do you still talk to your OSSM friends?
Yes. It is hard at times, but it is possible. I try to see who's going to be close and go see them if I can (Been to NYC and Richmond to visit people). Some weeks there are only a few texts and messages, then some we stay up and video chat.
How do you stay in touch with people and deal with friends going all over the country?
Prioritize!!! Ask yourself who you care about and who cares about you. Keep these people and maintain relations. For those that aren’t in that category, just leave the doors open and those who want to come will.
What would you have wanted to know as an incoming freshman to your respective college? Any advice on transitioning to a new environment and the people there?
Nothing, I know you all have heard so much of the same stuff. “You got this” “good luck” “You want to go there? Are you sure?”. Coming into Freshman year you have to come in blind - there is nothing that can be said about it that does it justice.
Be confident and don’t be afraid to be vulnerable to new people. In college the people are just as caring as at OSSM, and the professors are much MORE CARING. You’ll have a support network there whether you realize it or not.
Konnor Herbst is now a freshman studying Mathematics at Williams College.