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The College Process:
What an Experience! By Kyle Olsen, Resident since 2000
A
s a high-schooler, I was confronted with the decision that many San Ramon Valley High School students experience: what’s next? When it came to selecting the college or university that I would attend, I initially became overwhelmed with the gravity that such a task possessed. Having attended the DorrisEaton School and SRVHS, I worked very hard in school. But when it came to college, I could not neglect the fact that much of my adulthood would be centered around the decision at my 12 o’clock position. The first year of my search for where to go emphasized familiarity - location and proximity to home. During my first college visits to Southern California as a sophomore, I speculated whether or not I would be ready to leave the closeness of my home and my loving parents. In my junior year, many of the pieces of the previously daunting task came together. My parents remained extremely supportive, and I began taking Diablo Valley College classes in addition to my classes at SRVHS. From my DVC classes, I gained much insight into the college setting. For instance, I learned how to read a syllabus and be accountable for deadlines that were not published online. This would turn out to be invaluable in my ultimate transition. Acknowledging that the mission ahead might be more challenging than it was in 1980, my parents offered to hire me a college counselor. When I met with my counselor, I felt much more at ease. She told me about her clients that had completed the process, and I began to see the light at the end of the tunnel, though still quite distant. I struggled to achieve the ACT score that I truly needed to get into my dream schools. After taking the ACT four times and having over 30 hours of ACT test prep, my college counselor told me about test-optional schools. Thanks to that helpful information, most of the schools I applied to only required my transcript. In the fall of my senior year, I applied to 11 schools across the country. Not being accepted to my top choice school was very challenging. I had envisioned myself at this school and was certain that everything would work out there. Though discouraged, the support from my parents, counselor, and friends made me realize that I should not be defined by this harsh decision. To my emotional benefit, many of my classmates faced similar
American University in the springtime
heartbreaks. We understood and helped one another through this process. In May 2018, I selected American University’s School of International Service and Kogod School of Business in Washington, D.C. My freshman year at AU was incredible and memorable. Beyond joining the AU community, my favorite part of going off to college has been becoming embraced by the DC-Maryland-Virginia community. While it sometimes feels like I have kept the Dulles-SFO flight route profitable, I have made my new life work for me, and now I love it. The advice that I would give high school students would be to not be afraid of a new adventure. I also believe that it is important to try to enjoy the process. I remember hearing the statement, “Applying and going to college is not a sprint; it’s a marathon.” That is nothing short of the truth. My parents were trusting and supportive of me, regardless of the school I selected. In my experience, I would also forcefully add that although I was not accepted to my top choice school, everything “worked out” for me. I think that many students and parents could benefit from hearing this. Lastly, I encourage you to keep in mind that you are not searching for a “good school”- you’re searching for a good fit. A “good school” is not a good school, if it is not a good fit.
Kyle is a lifelong Danville resident. He enjoys traveling, aviation, and international affairs. He loves spending time with his friends, family, and his dog, Kitt. He’s interested in people’s thoughts and opinions, and is always open to a conversation with anyone.
DANVILLE LIVING 19
