As RM seniors come close to graduation, one the biggest decisions on their plate right now is choosing their future college. Those that plan on attending a college in the fall must commit to a school soon, after months of applications, college visits, interviews and more. Most students look to find a college that is best fit to what they want in their experiences and education, as well as at their academic programs, opportunities, and community.

Senior Ilana Vainstein committed to Washington University in Saint Louis. “I felt like it was the perfect fit, because it has really good academics, while also being very collaborative with really kind people,” Vainstein said. Some students look at schools for even more specific factors, such as cost, location, campus life, size, study abroad, housing and more. 

Many committed seniors announce their college commitments on RM’s college commitments page on Instagram. They share their hard-earned achievement for all to see. Furthermore, seniors can see where their peers are headed off to, and if anyone is even going to the same college as them. 

However, sometimes pressure can be built up due to hearing and seeing all the seniors committing to schools. Possibilities of comparison among students or pressure when revealing the commitment can create unnecessary stress. “Don’t hyperfocus on getting into one school, because you’ll end up wherever you’re supposed to end up, and then you’ll actually have to spend four years there,” Vainstein said.

Vainstein shared advice for juniors or even underclassmen stressing about getting into college. “Remember that getting into college isn’t the point, it’s actually going to college and enjoying your time there,” she said.