Tips Graduating Seniors Wished They Had Known

(In Their Own Words)

 
Mount-Holyoke-Tips-For-Seniors-College-By-Design
 
 
  • Know what you like and dislike, and don’t be scared to speak your mind 
  • Think about what YOU want, not what your family or friends want/like – you are the one who will live this experience, so take ownership of the process
  • Know your personality, and your strengths and weaknesses. You want to end up in an environment and academic landscape that suits you, not one where you do not feel comfortable 
  • Look beyond name and reputation
  • Know what your dreams are, and reach for them
  • Do what will make you happy
  • Show admissions what makes you “you”
  • When it comes to essays and interviews, be raw, be real, be honest–and, above all, be humble
  • Write what feels natural, don't write something because you think it's what admissions wants to hear
  • Think back on your life as a library of potential essay topics
  • In regards to your applications, at a certain point, it’s all out of your hands. Put forward the best applications you can, and then let go…
  • Start early
  • Be thorough
  • Trust your judgment and your instincts 
  • It’s okay to take things day by day, one essay or application at a time
  • It's a lot of work, but you can handle it
  • Be kind to yourself
  • Give yourself the time and space to grow throughout this process
  • Don't get so caught up in everything that you forget to enjoy your senior year!