“My next four years are determined by the next 24 hours,” said senior Mahi Bhalla, who is anxiously awaiting the decision for many of her top schools. 

Dec. 15 is a day many students have circled on the calendar for months.

For four years (and possibly more), many students have put their blood, sweat, and tears into being the student who stands out among the highly qualified applicants. To be “the one.” To receive that acceptance letter to the dream school. 

Getting that letter is a testament to all the work, the sleepless nights, and the sacrifices: For many, it means “I made it.” 

From Georgia to Northwestern to Johns Hopkins. Schools all across the country are releasing their highly anticipated decisions. 

The journey through college admissions is undeniably filled with a whirlwind of emotions, ranging from anticipation and hope to anxiety and fear. As students await the outcome of their applications, the atmosphere is filled with a mix of excitement and nervous energy. You can feel it in the hallways as the days inch closer and closer to Dec. 15. 

Many of the decisions coming out tomorrow are Early Decisions, meaning you are binded to the school if you get it. Naturally, these ED schools are many students’ “dream schools” or number one choice. The pressure is incredibly intense for those who have pinned their hopes on a single, top-choice school.

This day will hopefully be the “I made it” moment for many students. 

Unfortunately, that will not be the case for all. The contrast between the excitement of a friend getting accepted to their dream school and the disappointment of expecting rejection creates a unique dynamic. 

“I just feel like this day is going to make it really awkward in a way,” said senior Sophie Gauthier, “Obviously with the decisions being released, some people will really be happy and some will be really upset. But of course you have to be happy for your friends that got into their dream school.” 

At LFHS, students are naturally competitive with each other, whether it be within the classroom or on the field. Students are constantly pushing each other to be better; this competitive fire does not die down when it comes to college applications. 

“I think tomorrow or any decision day has the potential to create a competitive environment amongst students,” said LFHS guidance counselor Molly Lamick. “Seniors are going to talk to each other, students are going to know who is applying where, it’s a big part of your life.” 

However, this competitive nature is not all bad.

“There are more students applying to college than ever, making it harder to get into any school. Despite that, LFHS students will have awesome options and opportunities because you all are so competitive,” said Lamick.

Trusting that it will all work out, even if you don’t have your “I made it” moment tomorrow, is key for getting through Dec. 15 and the application cycle as a whole.

It is understandable to feel like your life depends on the next 24 hours or the next few months. However, Lamick advised to “try to keep it in perspective, it is so exciting to get good news, even to get the news you don’t want, all will be okay.” 

“I took a shot in the dark, and I’m going to keep my fingers crossed,” said Bhalla, as she anticipates many decisions coming back tomorrow. 

Now, all you can do is cross your fingers, knowing you did the best you can. 

As the announcements start to roll in, hopefully, many students will get the joy of experiencing the “I made it” moment.