College application season is upon us as seniors everywhere anxiously fill out the Common App and wait to hear from their chosen schools. With early action and early decision deadlines behind us, some seniors are already hearing whether they were accepted into their so-called “dream school.” But what makes any given university a dream school for someone? Is it a prestigious name, or a well known football team? Why do we as a society put so much pressure on getting into the “right school?”

In recent years, as more and more high school students make the choice to attend a 4-year college, colleges have become more selective. A “safety school” ten years ago is now a reach for many average high school seniors. This has led to hysteria among high school students working to stand out as an applicant. While parents are eager to help, the college application process has changed dramatically since they were applying to colleges. Even students who have checked every box and participated in every activity still aren’t guaranteed admission to these highly selective universities.

Even though there are thousands of colleges to choose from, students get caught up in the name and reputation of the colleges deemed most appealing academically and socially. This leads to extreme competition between students.

This has caused us to wonder if all the stress is really worth it. The notion that there is a college out there for every individual seems to be disappearing as students all focus on the small number of the most popular, well-known schools. In reality, though, these schools don’t always guarantee a happy and successful college experience.

In the end, students need to realize that college is what they make of it. Whether you get into your dream school or last ditch option, students who become active and engaged in academic and campus life will ultimately find happiness and fulfillment regardless of the prestige of their college. The post-secondary institution–whether it be a two-year, traditional four-year, or trade school–you attend doesn’t determine your success in life; it is the choices you make once you get there that will shape your happiness and future successes.