The Decision

Some seniors know by now where they are going to college. Most have at least narrowed down their decision pools. Perhaps some have absolutely no clue. I am not really sure where you might be in all of this, but there is a lot of pressure for even those who have made their college decision. After all, did you actually make ‘the right choice’? Perhaps you screwed up somewhere, overlooked something, or just weren’t thinking of something when you sent your deposit? On the other hand, you could have gotten it dead on. You could have perfectly calculated all that there was to calculate, or simply stumbled onto the college or university that fits you best. But do you know that now? Do you know at this very moment with absolute certainty where you should be going?
The truth is, you cannot know with absolute certainty if your college decision is or was the right decision. It is a leap. Next fall, though you will probably not literally jump onto campus (though you may want to attempt such a feat for its symbolic nature) you will be ‘leaping’ into a different world. The college world is a dynamic place that changes with each incoming class. Though colleges and universities try to attract students who are relatively similar throughout the years, each freshman class has its own identity, persona, and distinct personalities. Therefore, even if you got to know a lot of students when you visited, your experience will not be the same as theirs because your peers will be different than theirs.
Furthermore, the move to college is a ‘leap’ because it is experiential in nature. This means that you need to be in classes and on campus as an actual student to really understand what it is to be a student. When touring campuses, meeting with students, faculty and admission counselors, and even staying overnight, you can get a picture of what your experience will probably be like. However, it is only when you step onto campus and start connecting with students, faculty, and your surroundings that you begin to understand the college experience.
So, your decision is a ‘leap’ of sorts, and not one that should be taken lightly. Thoughtful reflection is required. Yet, anxiety is also unnecessary. Research, questioning, and conversations should have brought you to a place of understanding between different schools. Hopefully, you understand enough about the schools that you are looking at to make an informed decision. Even if you do not have certainty behind your decision-making, you should have information (if you need more about Valpo let me know!).
The research that has brought you this far ideally will enable you to choose between several schools that fit you and your interests well. Though you have a ‘leap’ in front of you, you will not be leaping too far. Through the endless piles of mailings and emailings that you have received, you should be able to deduce a place that will probably fit you well. At that point, you can still make the wrong choice, or a mediocre choice of schools, or the absolutely perfect choice. However, in all probability, whichever school you choose from your shortlist will most likely be exactly or close to what you are looking for.
Valparaiso University, in particular, has one of the highest retention and four year graduation rates in the Midwest. That means that, in all likelihood, you will enjoy it here. So, while you may be stressing out about your future, know that your future experience will probably turn out well at Valpo…