College applications play an anxiety-inducing while simultaneously thrilling role in the life of a high-school senior. Admissions decisions are typically released in mid to late March, but every year, this period of prolonged stress ends early for some.

Most colleges and universities offer students the opportunity to apply “early decision,” often abbreviated to “ED.” Students can only apply to a singular school ED, and if accepted, must attend the school, as well as rescind their applications to other colleges they may have applied to. Because the process is binding, students often choose to apply ED to their top-choice schools.

Seniors Sarah Hershenhorn and Sophia Hanover were both accepted to their top choices this December after applying early decision: Washington University in St. Louis and the University of Virginia, respectively. Though this admissions decision marked a turning point in their lives, it sparked tremendous excitement while also alleviating the stress of submitting college applications and perfecting first- and second-quarter grades.

“I was overwhelmed with joy and excitement,” said Hershenhorn, reflecting upon opening her decision letter. “I also felt an immediate wave of relief — I was finally free from the sleepless nights and constant ‘what-ifs’ about the college process.”

Much like Hershenhorn, Hanover was instantly relieved after opening her letter. “My first thought was: thank God I don’t have to write any more supplements,” she said, referencing the supplemental essays that most colleges ask students to write as a part of their application. “I finally knew I had gotten into college, and it was a place I wanted to go to, so I could finally relax about my future,” she added.

Although colleges still require mid-year grades from students who have been accepted through the ED process, these grades rarely alter a student’s admissions decisions after acceptance. “I was still working very hard to maintain my grades, but I definitely did feel a lot less pressure to be perfect,” said Hershenhorn.

Hanover, on the other hand, was worried about slacking off. “I had a lot of motivation to work hard in my classes after getting accepted because I was scared of getting rescinded,” she said.

Nevertheless, getting into college is inevitably accompanied by the challenge of meeting future classmates online and finding potential roommates for the upcoming school year. “Making friends online was pretty difficult because it’s really awkward and I genuinely have no clue how to do it,” said Hanover. 

Hershenhorn explained that although she was able to celebrate after being accepted to college, she remains anxious on behalf of her friends. “I still feel a high level of stress for my friends because I want them to all get into their dream schools. I feel like I’ll fully be de-stressed once we all know where we’re going to college,” she said.

It’s no secret that applying to college is scary. Students must embrace the uncertainty of their futures while balancing high-school academics and a multitude of extracurricular activities. In many instances, however, these stressors do not disappear upon acceptance. From cultivating friendships online to continuing to maintain their course grades, both Hershenhorn and Hanover hope to end high school on a high note while beginning a new chapter of their lives.