In the middle of senior year, students have already sent all of their applications or are still in the process of sending them. Most people have a school that feels like it could be a home to them. For some students, they are very notable schools such as Princeton, Brown and Massachusetts Institute of Technology. We spoke to a few students about their experiences with their application process to these schools.

Q: What pressure or stress did you feel applying to notable schools?

Isabel Dashtizad (‘19):“I felt like it mattered more whether I got into these schools or not because they were higher level institutions. Whereas if I don’t get into an okay school, it’s not that big of a deal, so in that way it was more stressful. I applied to these schools because throughout high school I’ve taken higher level classes, and I wanted to attend somewhere that is more competitive.

Ashley Espeland (‘19): “For one, [applying to notable schools] is a bit of a confidence test. It’s a lot harder to get into a notable school, and everyone wonders if you’ll be the exception. The application process was a lot harder than other level schools. They have more applicants, so they require more essays and information to differentiate who they want to accept.”

Anne Johnakin (‘19): “I want to get in, obviously, so a lot of the stress comes from worrying that I won’t be good enough.”

Q: Was the process harder than regular school applications? Was there any additional things, such as interviews?

Isabel: “The process was relatively the same, but it seemed harder because I felt like I had to create more original, out-of-the-box answers in order to stand out among the other applicants. The only additional think I can think of is interviews. I’ve had a couple, and it’s hard to calm down nerves and relax during them.”

Ashley: “The application process was a lot harder than other level schools. They have more applicants, so they require more essays and information to differentiate who they want to accept. Interviews were optional, but there were additional essays.”

Anne: “Most of my schools used the common app, so that part wasn’t too hard. A few of them had difficult supplemental essays, though. I had an alumni interview for Princeton. It basically was an opportunity to add a bit more personality to my application and ask questions to an alumni.”

Q: What made you decide to apply to those schools? What are you expecting to get out of the notable schools opposed to what other schools had to offer you?

Isabel: “I applied to these schools because throughout high school I’ve taken higher level classes, and I wanted to attend somewhere that is more competitive. Also, when I visited these schools, the people were very personable and outgoing, and I could see myself at that institution in the future.”

Ashley: “I’ve wanted to go to MIT for a long time for the geek culture and the strength of their STEM programs. I visited Yale on a whim and absolutely adored the campus, the academics and the likeness of their residential houses to Hogwarts houses. MIT and Yale bring about extra credibility and extra opportunities. Their programs are more rigorous and being at either would give me the chance to make connections and take advantage of their research options.”

Anne: “You can’t really ask for a better education than from the notable schools. The schools have the programs I want and they have a lot of resources. Also, I visited the campuses and made sure that I would enjoy the community. You get to learn from award-winning professors and all the students surrounding you are super bright and passionate.”