“What is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?”
Why Acting As If You Know Your Post-College Plans Makes You a More Compelling Applicant
It may sound a bit crazy to act as if you know exactly what you want to do with your life after college. After all, college is a time of exploration, growth, and discovery. It's natural for your plans and aspirations to evolve over time. However, there are some important reasons why presenting a clear vision for your post-college life on your college applications can make you a more compelling applicant. Here's why:
Demonstrates Focus and Commitment: Acting as if you know your post-college plans showcases your ability to set goals and work towards them. It reflects a level of focus and commitment that admissions officers value in prospective students. Presenting a clear vision demonstrates that you have taken the time to reflect on your interests, skills, and passions and have set meaningful objectives for your future.
Indicates Self-Awareness and Maturity: By articulating your post-college plans, you display a level of self-awareness and maturity. It shows that you have taken the time to assess your strengths, weaknesses, and values, and have thought deeply about how those align with your chosen path. Admissions officers look for applicants who are poised and ready to take on the challenges of the next chapter in their lives, and presenting a solid plan speaks to that readiness.
Highlights a Sense of Direction and Purpose: Colleges want to enroll students who are motivated and have a sense of direction. Acting as if you know your post-college plans conveys that you have thoughtfully considered your future and are enthusiastic about pursuing your chosen path. It reassures the admissions committee that you are not just going to college aimlessly, but with a clear purpose and objective.
Reflects Proactive Planning and Initiative: Having a vision for your post-college life and articulating it in your application demonstrates that you are proactive and take initiative. It shows that you have taken the time to research and explore your areas of interest, and have a plan to maximize your college experience to achieve your goals. Admissions committees appreciate applicants who are proactive and have a clear plan for leveraging the resources and opportunities that college provides.
Considers Your Audience: Colleges and universities are not only interested in admitting academically strong students but also in cultivating individuals who will contribute to the world, enhance the reputation of the institution, and potentially support the school in the future. By presenting yourself as a prospective student who embodies these qualities, you can demonstrate to admissions officers that you are an ideal candidate.
It's important to note that while presenting a clear post-college vision can enhance your application, it's not set in stone. Plans may change, and that's perfectly normal. The purpose of presenting a vision is to demonstrate your drive, focus, and commitment at the time of applying. It shows your ability to think critically about your future and make informed decisions.
Acting as if you know what you want to do with your post-college life, even if it may change later, can make you a more compelling applicant. It showcases your focus, commitment, self-awareness, maturity, sense of direction, and proactive planning. So, take the time to reflect on your aspirations and present them confidently in your college applications, knowing that your plans may evolve as you continue to grow and explore during your college years.
*From “The Summer Day” by Mary Oliver
