Going into college applications season, I didn’t know how to feel. In my previous years of high school, I heard many horror stories from seniors about how difficult it was to complete the necessary entreaties while maintaining grades and participating in extracurricular activities. They had made it seem as though the feat was nearly impossible and could only be accomplished by individuals with superpowers. However, I am an average human being who exhibits no signs of supernatural abilities, and I got through the season just fine.

Hearing such negative talk from those who have gone through the process can be very discouraging. That’s why it didn’t surprise me to hear friends groan whenever I brought up college applications. Students are trained to believe this is the biggest hurdle they will have to jump while on the path to adulthood, but it really isn’t as bad as it’s made out to be.

While facing deadlines and decisions, I came to realize that much of the pressure students endure is pressure they put on themselves. Too often, a student will let negative connotations from peers get inside of their head and dispirit them before even clicking the “begin application” button.

In order to survive the admissions process, you must go into it with a positive mindset. Being organized and having a set plan are key factors for success. Know what is required of you and when it is required. Record all of this information on a calendar and don’t wait until the last minute to do what needs to be done. Trying to write four personal statements the night applications are due is not going to do wonders for your mental health.

Similar to life, the process of applying to college is what you make of it. You could either sit in front of your desktop while pulling your hair out and on the verge of tears, or you could front-load and reap the benefits. The decision is up to you.