college admissions culture is toxic.

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Жыл бұрын

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Senior year is supposed to be fun, but for many high schoolers, college admissions stress takes over. High-achieving students spend hours watching college decision reaction videos, comparing SAT and ACT scores, or scrolling on subreddits like r/ApplyingToCollege or r/chanceme, experiencing intense pressure to get into an Ivy League school. Is this culture around college admissions toxic?
Elite American college admissions have become nothing short of a lottery. And it’s a bubble that is probably going to burst soon.
For overachieving high school students who crave success, “HYPSM” (Harvard, Yale. Princeton, Stanford, MIT) seems to be the pinnacle of achievement. Students spend months, even years perfecting essays, preparing interviews, and stacking their resumes to craft the “spike” that just might convince an admissions officer to accept them.
(To get a glimpse of the pure psychopathy and unbridled ambition of teenagers who never go outside, simply spend five minutes on the r/ApplyingToCollege subreddit)
And last year, the acceptance rates for elite US universities were the lowest they’ve ever been.
This is partly attributed to the rise of test-optional applications, and also to trend of kids applying to a larger and larger pool of universities. When my parents were applying to college, people usually applied to around 5 colleges. Now, the average is more like 10-20. And more applications = lower acceptance rates.
Some 2021 Acceptance Rates:
Harvard: 3.4%
Columbia: 3.7%
Princeton: 4%
MIT: 4%
Duke: 4.3%
Yale: 4.6%
Stanford: 4.7%
Keep in mind that for the most part, students applying to these schools are already in the top 1% of high school students with regard to standardized test scores, GPA, and extracurriculars. They can only take 3-5% of a pool already filled with the most accomplished students. This makes admissions insanely competitive.
In 2022, the rates were about the same- and some schools refused to publish their statistics.
Yet, on the Internet, there is a prolific culture around college admissions. Let's discuss this.
#college #academia #ivyleague
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@terrifictaffy Жыл бұрын

Not to mention some people profit off of stressed-out students who want to get into these schools. For my other seniors, consider whether you plan to go to graduate school, saving money and preventing stress during the admissions process. Prestigious schools aren't bad altogether, but it might be best to save them for graduate school when you have everything figured out. Many top schools do have good stem-based graduate programs for graduate students. Also, they can help with networking, but going there as an undergraduate might be a waste of money. Really look into that, it really depends on your major and what your career goals are, however, most people don't have that figured out at that age and it may change. Do not go to a school for the name go for the experience and what they offer for YOU because at the end of the day, it's about YOU not them. Find your fit wherever you go whether at an ivy, community college, state school, etc. A lot of people make the admissions process about the school they want to go to and how they can tailor themselves for that school (consciously or subconsciously), but that disregards what might be best for them (transferring, going to state, community college, trade school, etc.). Get out of the comparing game a lot of smart people love to do, and do what works for you that may not be going to the prestigious school.

@landon2806 Жыл бұрын

collegeboard directly profits off college stress with the pseudo-prestige of the AP program

@terrifictaffy Жыл бұрын

Yeah, I prefer dual enrollment. However, some schools are finicky about it and some counselors may deter students from it. I basically get to take classes for free and have a guarantee that I’m gonna get the credit if I pass. I wish I knew about it earlier :/ . I haven’t done any ap’s for my senior year lol

@cursivevibes330 Жыл бұрын

Something to add to your point: it’s crazy how much college expects students to achieve before getting admitted. When you think about it, college is a place where you LEARN how to make a difference. How is the merit of a college education shown if the vast majority of students are walking in already knowing how to save the world?? This logic just makes no sense

@emilyisreading_ Жыл бұрын

exactly! and it's compounded by the fact that a lot of kids use strategic wording/etc to make their accomplishments sound a whole lot more impressive than they actually are. Lol

@gen008curie Жыл бұрын

I heard interesting point from person who said that top colleges are basically businesses. You’re like an investment for them, they seek leaders or world-changers so when they become alumni they can praise or contribute to the school

@gheller2261 Жыл бұрын

All colleges are businesses. It's kind of ass backwards. The colleges that everyone is clawing away trying to gain admission to have huge endowments and don't need tuition to survive. It is the colleges that have less competitive admissions that need students to enroll in order to keep themselves going.

@clementboiteux8316 Жыл бұрын

Yeah, personally I believe that high schoolers doing things that adults/college students do is already insane, such as partaking in internships, undergrad-level research, and starting nonprofits just to make their app look good. Most of those non-profits fade away after they go to college, so you can tell it wasn't true passion.

@kyoyameganebereznoff Жыл бұрын

I’m really glad you said this. I was a “gifted” kid with high expectations for myself, but my undiagnosed ADHD turned high school into a slog that I could only just survive without any extracurriculars. College has felt the same even after diagnosis. I spend a lot of time worrying that folks won’t want to hire me because I don’t really have extracurriculars or volunteer hours to speak of but my college classes have put so much emphasis on beefing up your resume.

@dhruvparihar2472 Жыл бұрын

as a senior rn i totally agree! the hype around "prestige" is completely overrated and you can see the true colors of many people especially on a2c. and the colleges behind all of this are profiting off of extremely stressed teenagers. as introvertedmadness said: "college admissions is the hunger games mmo rpg 17 year old children play: in which they roleplay as ceos, philanthropists, and lincoln-douglas debate enthusiasts for the reward of paying a corporation hundreds of thousands of dollars, for a piece of paper certifying that they can indeed submit assignments on time."

@lesbiangoddess290 Жыл бұрын

So true

@Banom7a Жыл бұрын

(best) worst thing is that they don't even look at the paper when you apply for a job lol

@ACGreyhound04 Жыл бұрын

@@Banom7a - Employers care that you have it, and some care if it’s from a top tier as opposed to third tier school, but in the real world, top 10 vs top 40 doesn’t matter at all, especially if your school is well-known in the geographic or professional area you work in.

@michellemarie1197 Жыл бұрын

we should normalize and glamorize community colleges fuck the stress

@stinkyjoe4720 Жыл бұрын

and imho they have a way better energy than the "top" schools I've attended where the students are super uppity. CC is wholesome and everyone there is working for a better life

@miiracles3603 4 ай бұрын

Yesss! I'm looking into some community colleges because knowing the cost of going to a 4-year community college, on top of my dream to go the medical school is too much. I might take that route simply to save money and stress.

@advaithamidde Жыл бұрын

this is so true, i remember how draining the entire process is and how anti-climatic it felt to finally apply and get accepted/rejected... it's honestly not worth it, good on you for coming out and talking about it!

@emilyisreading_ Жыл бұрын

thanks addu!!

@avguser3187 Жыл бұрын

It’s so nice seeing someone else with a similar stance on admissions. I’m currently applying to colleges and worry everyday. This video made me feel a little relieved. Thank you

@gheller2261 Жыл бұрын

There's no need to worry as long as you understand that there are hundreds of good colleges out there instead of the 40 or 50 that everyone seems to be clamoring for but will not get into. Except for those relatively few schools, college is a buyer's market. It is not hard to get into a good college. It's just hard to get into a tiny percentage of colleges.

@amandamguyre8528 Жыл бұрын

@@gheller2261 Very easy to say, but only some schools have merit scholarships so it is in fact normal to worry

@gmh471 Жыл бұрын

@@amandamguyre8528 Respectfully, this is actually not true. A considerable majority of colleges and universities, particularly those that are private, offer a lot of merit aid as well as grant money. It is the "elite" schools that typically do not offer merit aid because they do not have to in order to attract students. And those that do give money based on merit award it to only a handful of students each year. Scores of public universities offer merit aid, both to resident and non-resident students (oftentimes, if your numbers reach a certain level, one can get in-state tuition or better). Some examples are U of Alabama, Michigan State, Miami-Ohio, Ohio University, University of New Mexico, University of Arizona, Arizona State, University of Nebraska, University of Kansas, Kansas State, University of Iowa, University of Delaware, University of Maine, University of Vermont, University of Oklahoma, Florida State, University of Minnesota, Ohio State, University of Colorado. I can go on and on and some state schools charge in-state tuition to non-residents or something close to it (e.g., Western Michigan, Central Michigan). Most regional private universities that have a strong reputation (and there are a lot of them) give out a lot of money in merit aid and one does not have to be an honor student with a 34 ACT/1400+ SAT. My 3.3 GPA, no AP classes daughter with a 30 ACT received well-north of $20,000 from at least a half a dozen highly reputable schools. One needs to simply keep an open mind and get past the whole US News Top 20 or Top 50 thing. The money is out there. The key is to be strategic (apply to peer institutions and then negotiate awards against one another) and open minded because, in the end, it does not really matter all that much where one gets her undergraduate degree. Those who insist otherwise are just selling a false dream and not being truthful about how the world works.

@devinjordan6751 Жыл бұрын

The subreddits like ApplyingToCollege are so toxic, I'm so glad I'm not the only one who thinks this

@Sunflower-lj2lp Жыл бұрын

I was "involved" in this culture on youtube for a while, and it scared me a lot while i was doing my apps. Im a pretty "average" student lets just say, and these people made me think i had to have really insane stats to get in anywhere. I got into 6/8 schools i applied to and even though they were just state schools they all offer a quality education. I also think the expectations on high schoolers these days is insane and is probobly contributing A LOT to the teen mental health crisis. I also feel that the playing field for admissions has become horribly unfair. These are all just my opinions! Great video!

@lmaoaims Жыл бұрын

I’m from the uk and here we do UCAS applications for uni. Personally I wouldn’t wish this experience on anyone, it’s mentally draining and exhausting and also let’s not forget that most of us carry the mentality of if u haven’t gotten into uni ur not good enough 😔💔

@Sunflower-lj2lp Жыл бұрын

@@lmaoaims Ah im sorry, you are worth so much more than your grades, scores etc. This process is extremely stressful for all involved in it. I wish you the best, and luck if youre currently in the process of applications, and i hope you get the best in life!

@Arrgz Жыл бұрын

I got into an Ivy League school but compared to many of my classmates I am completely average. I had a low act score and only got 1 five among the exams that I took. I had a 3.8 gpa and such but I went to one of the worsts performing schools in the country and a good portion of the student body was in poverty. The opportunity I got from my university is amazing but that is a reality I would have faced in any educational institution I chose to attend. Colleges aren’t seen for the educational opportunities they provide, a place you can grow to better yourself and community. For first generation/low income students I think the pressure of prestige just adds to the pressure of trying to help yourself out of poverty.

@kaylouu4823 Жыл бұрын

@wilbur mcwaffles mate your name is wilbur mcwaffles go back to doing your algebra homework

@35pri2ish Жыл бұрын

Wow Amanda 💖 thanks for sharing your thoughts.

@wherethequietbeingsgo Жыл бұрын

@wilbur mcwaffles That’s so insensitive. I hope you’re having fun rolling in the stolen generational wealth of your ancestors. :)

@scottjackson163 8 ай бұрын

During my high school years, I mostly just had fun. I didn’t learn three languages, start a nonprofit, or play the oboe. I attended my instate public university; however, I did well there, earning a scholarship for my grades and graduating cum laude in three years. I went on to earn two graduate degrees, one from Stanford and one from Johns Hopkins. I’m living proof that you can end up with the impressive “baubles” on your resume by a combination of patience and persistence.

@yoongoboongo231 Жыл бұрын

when i was applying to college, i purposely avoided any conversations about stats because i knew i would feel hopeless

@wherethequietbeingsgo Жыл бұрын

Same.

@idrawishh Жыл бұрын

I'm a current senior whos waiting on college decisions. I had the same mindset that you had about college applications and ivy league for almost my entire life, and even after learning about how difficult it actually is to get accepted, I still find myself comparing my grades and sat scores to those of my friends. This mindset has caused me a lot of emotional trauma and distress in middle school and highschool and I don't wish anyone to go through that. Thanks for making this video!

@river17006 Жыл бұрын

And it just gets worse once you’re in the school. The perfectionism you come in with, the disappointment in not having the perfect academic life. It never ends

@briyantee Жыл бұрын

Having gone through undergrad, MS, PhD, and postdoc at a national lab and eventually a staff position offer recently, I had interacted or worked with a lot of students/researchers/professors over the years. I have one degree from an Ivy league. What I learned is that the top students at those schools are indeed extremely good, but the average may not be as good as the top students elsewhere. I was shocked to learn someone with PhD at Caltech can't figure out the right-hand rule for magnetic field orientation -- a concept I learned during middle school. A good friend of mine was from a community colleague but now a very successful scientist. It is unfortunate that classicism/elitism is there. However, you will not be limited by the school you go to, but how you build your knowledge and expertise over the years.

@emilyisreading_ Жыл бұрын

huh, we learned that in high school physics. although to be fair, the right hand rule always broke my brain lolol

@ultravioletiris6241 Жыл бұрын

Yea exactly. Theres a lot of elitism out there and this tends to dictate peoples perceptions of ivy leagues more than facts do

@seasonsoflove9507 Жыл бұрын

As a lower income student who is currently enrolled in university, I used to be super obsessed with college admissions videos and shows like Gilmore Girls. I hadn’t even realized that I’d be unable to afford to attend any of these schools in the first place, and looking back at the college admissions process as a university student, I can only feel bitterness for how elitist and classist it all is. Such a toxic culture in general tbh. I think community college should be given a better reputation because not only can you transfer, you can save a lot more money while also getting your Gen eds out of the way.

@gheller2261 Жыл бұрын

This is an incredibly mature and important video that every tenth grader should see. As a college counselor I have had more than one person whose kid did what you did in high school say to me "if I knew it was this hard to get into these colleges I would not have had my kid kill themselves taking all those AP classes." And I honestly reply that unfortunately, I think they would have because now college admissions has also become a contest between parents and THEIR egos. Worst part of it all is that there is little to no evidence that a students who attends US News (ugh) top 20 or 30 schools will be more professionally successful than if they had attended, say, their flagship State U. In fact, studies bear this out. Best of luck to you.

@blu1047 Жыл бұрын

current hbcu freshman and former a2c dweller here! i also wanna add this point about a2c: hbcus are seen in a lesser light and not seen as “prestigious”. i got rejected from nyu, my first choice, and ended up attending the highest ranked hbcu in the country. although i was extremely happy to attend this school, when i told others about my decision, they comforted me like it was a huge loss. the same thing happened to me on a2c.

@Meadowlarkk 7 ай бұрын

The amount of anti-blackness in prestigious college admissions circles gives me the ick, there’s always back handed compliments like indirectly complaining about affirmative action or saying how they don’t care about race demographics when picking a school. Like I had to drop applying to one school cause 70% of the school was white and and I already attend a PWI high school

@truthspeaker8863 Жыл бұрын

For European American students- it's about legacy stutus, donations and connections For Asians- it's about numbers! For hispanic (hispanic includes European hispanics), black and indigenous students- it's about diversity and that's just the way it is

@truthspeaker8863 2 ай бұрын

@@canalzinha most euroean students aren't at harvard ether. only the wealthy ones... go check the average family income.

@clementboiteux8316 Жыл бұрын

I am more than grateful that you have made this video to support all high schoolers stressing about college, especially since you are considered to be an "Ivy League" type student. The r/a2c subreddit is so unbelievably toxic that people virtually don't have the right to set their own standards and abide by their own values, goals, and interests. Rather, they see the profile of an amazing applicant and try to reject their own background to imitate that "highly-qualified applicant" in hopes of getting into the college of their choice. For example, there have been posts saying "Oh no my GPA is so bad it's a 3.95 UW" or "I got a horrible SAT of 1480" or "Oops I got a 4 on an AP exam" and it's just so disheartening because those scores could have been good in the perspective of another person, so it essentially forces them to believe that their scores are bad. Any good or bad score is what you consider it to be. Plus, this system is so unbelievably biased that someone can have a better chance of admission if they are of a different background or they have legacy at the school. It also makes people believe that state schools and community colleges are inferior but they actually offer some pretty nice benefits and stellar programs. This whole process has revealed people who aren't true friends and start treating their friends like enemies fighting in the college admissions war. As a current senior, I can't wait for this College Admissions War to end so that I can enjoy my time in college and pursue my passions. I dearly hope this video will reach a million views, and eventually surpass the count of the prestige-obsessed student population. Passion & happiness >>>> A diploma from a prestigious college P.S. I have an 80-year-old neighbor who went to community college back in the day, transferred to my local state school, and worked at HP as an Electrical Engineer. He paid off all of his loans, and now he's retired, he gardens, walks his dogs everyday, and reads plenty of books. Even though he didn't attend a school anywhere near the top 20, his life is a prime example of how you don't need to chase college prestige to achieve success.

@platonymous Жыл бұрын

Only 3% of colleges are selective. I hate how the discussion is placed around this 3%. I can relate to you story so much. I wanted to go to stanford so bad that burned myself out and honestly ended up worse than when I started. I would lose sleep because I was thinking about how much time I was spending not working on extracurricular s or starting a business. I ended going to state school and am so happy here.

@roni_rice Жыл бұрын

I was very high achieving and high school, to the point where my entire life's purpose was to go to an Ivy League and I had no other aspirations. Fast forward three years: I'm living in Manhattan, starting my own business, and doing so many cool things without having gone to college at all. College is such a small portion of our lives, and there is so much more to aspire to afterwards. :)

@masonmiller6960 Жыл бұрын

I completely agree. I'm a senior in high school now and I found that getting excited about my major is much better than getting excited about a school I most likely will not get into. Thank you for making this!

@triciaantonietta4678 Жыл бұрын

I’m a senior right now and so much of what you said apples to me. I started watching college decision reaction videos in my sophomore year and ended up applying to eight prestigious schools. The only college I’ve gotten into so far is my safety and I originally didn’t want to go there because of the lack of prestige, but I really love the school now! Honestly, attending a top ten school means nothing, it’s what you end up doing at the school that matters.

@ellaebert9342 Жыл бұрын

I think what a lot of people who care about going to the most prestigious school don't realize is so many people don't even go to college. Being able to have that experience is such a privilege in itself, and all of us who have the opportunity should be grateful for that, even if we don't go to Harvard or Princeton or Stanford or another "top" school. I'm currently going through the admissions process and fell into the trap of telling myself "I need to apply to as many schools as possible because I'm not going to get into any." I finally told myself that wherever I go, I will learn a ton and have fun in college. I applied to my safeties for a reason, and that's because I like those schools. What changed my mind, really, is the knowledge that I would need at least a master's degree in order to get a decent job in my field of study. Employers aren't going to care about where I went for undergrad when I have a master's and hopefully a Ph.D, and if they do, I probably don't want to work there. Relaxing has made my life so much easier. I'm applying to one more school (and it's not "prestigious") because I've visited it and I love the vibe and campus culture, and they have a pretty good program in my major, and then I'm DONE with college applications. I'll be bummed if I don't get into my favorite college, but I have other good options that will still set me up for success, because I will be going to college.

@JacksonS44 Жыл бұрын

Words can’t express how grateful I am that I applied when the act/sat scores were not mandatory so you didn’t have to take them. I’ve still had to deal with college board because of Cleps but it hasn’t been as bad as when I took the ACT.

@emilyisreading_ Жыл бұрын

college board is awful!

@flexcuber3525 Жыл бұрын

You are speaking straight facts, I couldn’t have summarized the toxicity behind the college admissions system myself. Thank you for posting this video

@MilkyWay-gi8km Жыл бұрын

I got admitted to Berkeley and UCLA and I absolutely agree. College admissions is a lottery

@trusolace3117 Жыл бұрын

@wilbur mcwaffles man wtf

@veronicajata3121 Жыл бұрын

@wilbur mcwaffles stop.

@citlallimtnz2729 Жыл бұрын

@wilbur mcwaffles low life

@Think567 Жыл бұрын

Some state schools have better programs than ivy league schools. What really matters is what you put into your degrees.

@lars1588 Жыл бұрын

Being working-class in the Midwest, I've never even contemplated going to any school besides my local one. It's just what everyone around here does. Local colleges don't get enough credit.

@tanyafranklin5647 Жыл бұрын

Great video! As the parent of a HS senior, I had to “check myself” at the start of the school year and let my son’s interests and preferences guide our process. He’s naturally someone who can easily get stressed out and was almost paralyzed by all the choices and the overall process. I reminded myself that he is not me. He has his own preferences and I made sure I respected that. We had a mix of safety, reach, and match schools which was a great confidence booster. Whatever school he selects, I know he will have a good overall undergraduate experience! ❤

@kevingonzalez-james6421 Жыл бұрын

I applied and got accepted into my safety schools already. I am still waiting for my top schools but this video made me realize how lucky I am to get into my safety schools that are great schools. I forgot that I am just lucky to go to Uni cause I’m barely the second one of my family to get to go. Thank you for humbling me.

@Stingy- 17 күн бұрын

this is so true as a person in high school i am so confused about people who are taking like 8 ap classes and doing all the extra curricular they can to try to get into a ivy league collage, almost everyone around me all all just doing things to get into a more prestigious college.

@SamuelSamuelSamuel1 Жыл бұрын

I literally made a Reddit post about being no schooled and a person decided to stalk my entire account and concluded I was a maniac with Multiple personality’s pretending to be homeschooled. They got an award and 400 upvotes and my post went to 0 ☹️, Reddit is so fucked.

@emilyisreading_ Жыл бұрын

what 😭

@logimite7174 3 ай бұрын

average reddit moment

@cowcow0506 19 күн бұрын

It’s such a relief to finally be on the other side of this whole ordeal. The entire application process and the culture surrounding it is so fucked

@kathrynswords6433 Жыл бұрын

shout out to '23, we are really going through it rn trust me

@ydavidzhu Жыл бұрын

This is a very mature video for such a young individual. Power to you for being so vulnerable and sharing your opinion. I have similar sentiments regarding the beast that has become US college admissions.

@shyampadmanabhan4171 Жыл бұрын

I relate so much to your fear that your concerns are "copium". To be totally frank, the only reason I even want to get in to these prestigious schools is so that I can voice the exact same criticisms as you do without being accused of coping or "mad cuz bad"

@Jazzmin13 9 ай бұрын

This was a really refreshing and honest video. "Collecting colleges" is such a good way to explain what people go through when they're completely sucked into applying for college. I couldn't afford applying to 20+ (I applied to 1 college, then transferred again only applying to 1 more college), and my stats weren't top of the line, I was a slightly above average student. I went to a community college that I loved, then transferred to a private university in my state that fit my needs and what I wanted to do; it gave me so many incredible opportunities and connections. I think people collecting colleges just so they can see how many they get into takes away the meaning of finding the college that is meant for you. Even though I didn't go to any prestigious universities I graduated and got into dental school because the schools I chose offered me the most of what I needed and allowed me to flourish and gain invaluable experience that I probably wouldn't have gotten at some prestigious schools. I also didn't compare myself or my stats to ANYONE because it was beyond anxiety inducing and it all worked out just fine, in fact, it made my application as authentic and true to me as possible. I know how stressful it is to feel like you need to be in a highly ranked school based on what society thinks, but when you get into grad school or professional school they appreciate you choosing the school that fits you and your needs even if it is or is not an ivy league school; then you can truly present yourself to the fullest capacity in the best way possible. Stats are not all that matters.

@whalefuhk Жыл бұрын

It makes me so mad that people just want to get into top schools just to vlog and then drop out- taking away from those who want to actually advance themselves academically.

@johng2636 Жыл бұрын

I graduated from a state school 20 years ago. I became a CPA and have a perfectly decent life. The thing to remember is American "clout-chasing" and "status-chasing" society is very worthless. If you spend time volunteering in the global south you will see how ridiculously trivial problems like college rejections are.

@sydneyhart Жыл бұрын

Very mature perspective. Even back in the mid-late 80s, college admissions was competitive. I can’t imagine what it’s like nowadays.

@kaishawna3753 Жыл бұрын

This also severely impacts neurodivergent and autistic and disabled individuals as well. Most disabled individuals aren’t even considered for certain colleges if at all.

@kevinharrison3265 Жыл бұрын

So true. When I took the SAT (1975) all they asked for was two sharp pencils.

@randomguy5764 Жыл бұрын

Ong fuck college admissions. Ive been putting mine off til the last minute. Ivy league schools are over-rated and overpriced. I'm gonna try applying to several but idrc if I get in cuz I'm mostly tryna go to Purdue. I'm just getting my college choices off that US news top colleges for my major list. I never rlly gave much thought towards college admissions til now and once I started I didn't feel confident in my hs career but looking back I feel like I've actually done some useful shit with my hs life, hopefully enough to get into one of my top choice colleges.

@kewejuankenobie Жыл бұрын

I remember the admissions process. Very stressful, and draining to your self esteem. Once your actually in college though, you realize that the merit of where you are going doesn't matter at all. I feel way less stressed than in high school. What matters more is enjoying where your going, and exploring a way to make your interests a career. Edit: It is hard to realize that in high school even though it is obvious.

@Jana-ho9mu 3 ай бұрын

You’re such a genuine person. As a current senior from a good high school where everyone is super high achieving, I forgot that I was good on my own. I noticed myself falling into the a2c rabbit hole and I hope I snap out of it because it feels like an addiction where any small validation gives a huge dopamine rush

@gracedixon9910 Жыл бұрын

the most sane a2cer I’ve ever seen. great video

@emilyisreading_ Жыл бұрын

Lmao 😂

@jules_az_mi2636 Жыл бұрын

Thank you, so much for posting this!

@aqsaazam3785 Жыл бұрын

Love this video!! American college admissions just look so exhausting. Especially when I compare it to my college admission that I did over the internet while in another city on vacation, easy peasy. And I only applied to one because the others were either too far or didn't have my major. I agree. It shouldn't be treated as a make or break thing.

@bischwester8619 Жыл бұрын

What country do you live in?

@sandraross68 Жыл бұрын

Just went through this entire process with my son who is presently a senior in high school. Though he was incredibly fortunate and lucky to be accepted to his ED1 (Ivy) school, we both found the process incredibly draining. He did very well in high school and was qualified for a spot, but so do so many other students like yourself and yet, they do not get in. Easier said than done, I tell my son to NEVER allow a school, company, institution, or person to have that much power over you. The “power” resides in the individual. ALWAYS. Once again, easier said than done, but whatever YOU want - you will have to go after it relentlessly. There are so many writers whose books were rejected time and time again from “prestigious” publishers, and we would have never known their work if they had decided to abide by those publishers rejection instead of believing that their book was as worthy as any other that had already been published. Bottom-line: YOU deserve a spot in any Top 10 school. If it ever becomes something you want again, I think you should go for it. I believe you would be accepted. If your happy where you are, and feel it will provide you with the opportunities you want for your future, then stay. YOU have within you every quality required to succeed.

@cecegonzalez3799 Жыл бұрын

Thanks so much for this video!! Just submitted my last batch of essays and it's such a weight off my shoulders, but now it's all about the anxiety. Thank you for the reassurance.

@Brandon-qh4ck Жыл бұрын

Funny enough this video helped for me applying for my masters and helped calmed me down. I even remember when I was applying back in high school and got really stressed out.

@dennislu8790 Жыл бұрын

Thank you for this video, it really helps put things into perspective!

@TheHappychickadee 3 ай бұрын

I absolutely appreciate your post. Thank you so much.

@alifrahman7099 Жыл бұрын

Stressed out rn but this vid relieved it a bit. Thanks

@abhinavjakati8792 Жыл бұрын

Honestly, thank you for making this video.

@EmilyWash Жыл бұрын

You’re awesome! Every student needs to hear this!

@amarauzo7650 Жыл бұрын

Your introduction on how you got wrapped into the whole academic stuff was so much like mines 😩. Very good video

@Cookieglue Жыл бұрын

Thank you for making this video. As a current senior, I needed to hear this, it makes me feel so much better

@DavidCruz-hb7ui Жыл бұрын

This is an amazing video! As someone who relates a lot to comparing myself with others (like my stats, gpa and ec's) I really enjoyed hearing your story going thorugh it and what you learned. I am glad I finished applying to colleges today as a senior so yay! lol

@benjaminmichael4063 Жыл бұрын

this is a fantastic video. Im a current medical student. Ive been through competitive admissions processes x2 and am about to go through at least one more. Trust me, this person is spot on. Ivy leaguers are great students who got lottery picked out of the pool of great students. the benefits they get at these institutions are marginal compared to a good state school. the true reward they get are bragging rights. dont stress over bragging rights, the glory fades in a month or two and the shame fades as well. just be happy and safe. the rest is just details. truly

@lalitharavipati5858 Жыл бұрын

Well said Emily!

@piscopopanimations8880 Жыл бұрын

Thank you so much, I’m getting my ED results for what I believe the be my current “dream school” and all I’ve been doing these past weeks is stressing out and crying. But it makes me feel so much better to hear it from someone who has gone through something similar to me and that it will all be alright. Also I’m 100% guilt of applying to a bunch of colleges and have been trying to cut down and only apply to one’s in Im actually interest in. Thank you!

@haileyfrancine307 Жыл бұрын

Thank you for making this! I just finished most of my college applications and this was needed! ❤

@shivmishra1372 Жыл бұрын

im so glad someone made this video! honestly my sister tried to apply for gatton (which is a prestigious program in my area) and got stressed out over it by doing the same things you mentioned in this vid. im applying to gatton too and decided to just vibe along with it and not compare myself to other ppl who got accepted.

@cyberla Жыл бұрын

Thank you for explaining the "toxic" culture! Stumbled on all these videos myself while researching masters degree options. Happy New Year!

@Perrier05 4 ай бұрын

Thank you Emily for making this video. I can tell you have put much reflection into the process of creating it.

@claire.therese Жыл бұрын

I'm currently waiting for the decision from my dream school and I completely agree with everything you said in the video! I made myself so anxious about it all that I ended up missing several days of school and having to go to the doctor because I made myself physically ill from stress and anxiety and I really hope that more people are able to realize how toxic it all is, and I wish that I myself had been able to do so before I experienced huge consequences!

@sab5686 Жыл бұрын

thank you i needed this❤ i go to a very competitve school where internationals compete for scholarships in america and it’s a mess. got deffered from my ED school and i just feel so scared i won’t get in anywhere. thanks for putting it all in perspective

@rubenservin5644 Жыл бұрын

Thank you for this ♥️ I really needed this.

@tamirugb3416 Жыл бұрын

Yo nice video as a foreign student applying to one uni in the states I started watching all the videos about uni and uni experience and dam it feels soul crushing at points but also nice but your vid is a change to the glorification of the system.

@wow.za. Жыл бұрын

Thanks for this, it really helps me to be put back into perspective during application season :)

@ashreh Ай бұрын

You have singlehandedly alleviated my worries thank you holy shit

@jeanettedorfman5872 Жыл бұрын

What a lovely perspective! Your college is very lucky to have you. Thank you for sharing flexibility and resilience to other young adults.

@dbr_199 Жыл бұрын

I relate so much to this. I also started watching The Kath Path in 10th grade, and although I led most of my high school career independently from my wish to get into a big college, this process is honestly breaking me. I sent out all my applications this week. Essays are okay for the most part, but not great. I'll certainly be rejected from everywhere (international students cost money), so it helps to look at it like some twisted lottery. I still feel guilty for dragging my parents into this whole thing, though.

@dannymanflexstar 4 ай бұрын

Everything you said is soo true. I love how brutally honest you are. More power to you! ✊

@heyimolivia Жыл бұрын

i totally agree with everything in this video - i also think it's important to note that a lot of this stress can come from the people you spend time with. I spent a lot of my junior year with very college-focused friends and i felt the unconscious pressure to go to a school that was impressive to talk about and was soo soo close to early decision-ing to cornell even tho i am totally not a big school person. i'm so grateful that I disconnected from these people over the summer (love them tho!) and was able to actually realize what school was the best fit (going to amherst college next fall ! very excited ! ) thank you for talking about this! hopefully this will come up on some stressed-out seniors' recommended page instead of decision reactions video

@JannatulFerdous-vh2zg Жыл бұрын

Great advice, queen. Those top schools don't deserve you.

@isaacsvenson7042 Жыл бұрын

Thank you for making this video, you hit the nail on the head… I’m lucky to have gotten into one of my dream schools off the waitlist, but after getting rejected most everywhere else besides Northeastern and BU (obviously good schools), I felt like a complete failure. Now that I’m halfway through my first year at UCLA, it all seems so unimportant to me, but I hope you help some seniors avoid feeling the way you and I felt.

@boba33 Жыл бұрын

I wish I had seen this video earlier. I relate to your experiences a lot. Thank you for making this. To any current high schoolers watching -- listen to what Emily has to say, please. Don't make the same mistakes I did, and enjoy your high school years!!

@jeys4432 Жыл бұрын

Don't get burnt out. What is really important is that you find a passion of yours. You are on a good track. We as people only have so much time within a day. The name of the game is leverage. Leverage doing what you enjoy.

@yachuga Жыл бұрын

firstly, thank you emily for a wonderful video. it was very informative, personal, and insightful. thank you for stressing the issues youre seeing with higher education expectations placed upon students- im sure it'll mean a lot to those HS kids that watch this vid!

@Jesse-wp1td Жыл бұрын

in all honesty this video will be a nice requiem for me to close this chapter of stress as a current hs senior, and i thank you for that i guess after having heard this type of topic of the toxicity of college admissions for years now, it’s never really been easy to… grasp such an idea as one is entranced in the glorification of it all so i commend you… like sincerely and with all honesty as i think this video has kind of set in stone for me this point to where i feel like i can finally take a breath for myself amid this environment i think it’ll be a nice breath for a while too.

@nessaaaaaaa7 Жыл бұрын

i felt the exact same way as you. im not in america so i didnt apply to any ivy leagues there, but i was aiming to get accepted into the top schools where i live. it was the most stressful moment of my life lol. studytube glorifies these prestigious competitive universities to an absurd amount. i watched a lot of local (as well as western) college reaction videos obsessively. i spent so much time worrying about getting into these schools, but it was literally for nothing. i'll be going to a smaller college later this year and im much happier about it :)

@anneg9305 Жыл бұрын

You are a mature person with great perspective. I hope everyone in high school watches this - it’s balanced and honest and you said it best. You can’t win at everything, so don’t stress. College is a great experience in so many ways and it’s the time of your life no matter where you go as long as you are happy. Thank you and continued success to you!!!

@user-yn9in5ox5h Жыл бұрын

tysm I really need this!!

@mediashoper3178 Жыл бұрын

I just saw your video and wanted to tell you, that your mindset now is great. I'm from Germany but I also watch a ton of college admission videos. At first, I found it really inspiring - because here in Germany, we do not have something like a college admission contest. I saw a lot of smart young people from my generation. They showed me tips to learn better, showed me that they also have mental health problems etc. The problem came, when I watched them too frequently. I got the mindset, that I want and need to go to an American Ivy League school to get the greatest job and show everyone what I accomplished. I only realized now that it's not important to go to an Ivy League school. It would be great, but it's not a necessity. I also think that Ivy League Schools also build on socializing. This schools except the greatest people, because so many smart people want to go there, they can pick the best ones. These people create connections between each other - it's like a years-long party where you get to know each other. On top of it some of them get affiliated with the school: very smart people getting affiliated. But I also think that not everybody has the same chance. I see a lot of people in Ivy League Schools who have wealthy families or got a great education on private schools. Just my opinion and a few thoughts I wanted to throw in here :)

@alxandras Жыл бұрын

THE VIDEO HASNT EVEN STARTED YET BUT THIS IS SO BASED

@narihanaASMR Жыл бұрын

just got rejected from two of the four colleges i applied to(which is very little compared to most students, even tho its alr at like $330 just to apply to them). lowkey needed this reminder bc i legit cried about my letters even tho im fully aware that where u begin doesnt compare to where u end up through hard work and even just fate. although i have some regrets of not staying on top of it for some parts of my high school, i dont think i wouldve done anything different and i most definitely feel big relief of just knowing generally where im going(deferred from one school so waiting on that...) and so i can just enjoy my senior yr

@themoose70 Жыл бұрын

Fantastic Video! I found the application process (for my Son who graduated HS in 2021) so stressful!! We put a lot of emphasis on the top-tier schools - from which he was rejected. In the end he went far away to a mid-size, "2nd tier" uni. and got a full scholarship- and is SO happy!! The top schools have mastered the Branding of themselves - increasing the # of applicants and thus reducing the acceptance rate....

@Rifle-on9kh Жыл бұрын

Appreciate the video. Very informative.

@daveboyd70 Жыл бұрын

Congratulations, Emily! If one chooses to apply to college, it is a personal goal that should be celebrated - no matter where you go. I work in higher education and I watch these videos to keep pace with what prospective students are thinking and holding as important during this process. I do think it's unhealthy to put a lot of stock in "dream schools," and instead look into whether these choices and more students should consider state schools that will pay their tuition and fees in full - if possible.

@mark_kline 3 ай бұрын

Old head here: when I saw the SAT/ACT and application process. I said “F this!” and applied to a JC and enjoyed my senior year 😂😂😂😂

@anthonyleong4238 4 ай бұрын

I felt the same way about the process. Also, you’re stats are much better than mine. I couldn’t even pass 1500 on the sat no matter how hard I tried. My passion was also mathematics, so I did enjoy the math circle stuff and competitions, but the classes I took and studying for stuff I wasn’t interested caused the burnout. College admissions still ended up destroying me as my very top choice schools all rejected me. They didn’t find any of my achievements impressive even though I put a lot of time into them 😢. It all worked out though as I got into my state’s flagship school, which was also pretty high on my preferences. Anyways, just wanted to share my experience and also let you know that you’re super exceptional (much more than I am at least). You have an amazing future ahead.

@StoriesOfCp Жыл бұрын

To add to your points, and to emphasize that the college you attend is truly not the end-all: grad school (if one chooses to go) is another chance to apply to schools and programs you really like, with the added experience and maturity that comes with being a college graduate. I performed rather poorly in high school and attended a very small, extremely non prestigious institution for undergrad. I loved my time there, discovered my passion, and completely redeemed myself academically. I was accepted into every grad school I applied to, many of which were highly ranked, and I am now finishing up my masters at a T20 school that I could only have ever dreamed of attending back in high school. It seriously hurts my heart to see high school seniors and college students stressing out and working themselves into the ground just to get into "prestigious" schools. A great education can be earned anywhere, and there is still so much of yourself and the world to discover while you are in college. Great video! :)

@wishIKnewHowToLove 4 ай бұрын

you are a great girl! good luck to you!

@happylemur4962 Жыл бұрын

I totally agree. My experience was that I didn’t care about admissions until about halfway through senior year when I had already applied and couldn’t change anything. Everything worked out though. I’ve found that the college I ended up attending is a really good match for my skill level as apposed to some of my friends at top universities who can’t keep up with the academic rigor.

@minimaxify Жыл бұрын

Dude I’m so glad I didn’t get sucked into A2C culture until August of my senior year, it must have sucked dealing with this since sophomore year lol. I agree with everything you said here, I still haven’t gotten most of my decisions back from the top schools that I applied to but I most likely will end up going to a school where I can get a full ride scholarship for national merit finalist status. It’s not as “prestigious” as some other schools I’ve applied to but it seems like I’d be better off saving a lot of money now that I can use for graduate school, and worry about prestige then.

@emilyisreading_ Жыл бұрын

that's cool! I got a scholarship for national merit finalist as well as a scholarship from my state flagship, tho it wasn't full i ended up going there because it was just so much of a better deal even though I also got into georgia tech which is "more prestigious" . good luck!

@samanthaheinz8888 Жыл бұрын

thank you so much for this. i applied to stanford rea and im hopeful based on my achievements but i’ve been doom scrolling on reddit and rereading my application i submitted over and over 😭😭 i realize now i’ll be happy at any of my safeties :))

@emilyisreading_ Жыл бұрын

I’m so glad it was helpful! I hope you get into Stanford but if it doesn’t work out best of luck wherever you end up :)

@samanthaheinz8888 Жыл бұрын

@@mudasirbhat_28 I got rejected but I'm taking it as redirection to a better fit for me :)

@samanthaheinz8888 Жыл бұрын

@@mudasirbhat_28 I might apply to transfer but I'm applying this year regular decision to five ivy leagues and most UCs. I already got into my safety school so now I wait on my other decisions :)