Is it just me or is college the new hit reality show of America?

         I'm serious. I'm not even in college yet and all the stress of applications, grades, and deadlines make me already dread what's ahead. It's not to say that I hate college, it's just that the overwhelming stress makes it feel like I really am in some "Truman Show"-like universe. I do believe that my peers feel the same stress and somewhat mutual feelings.

         Perhaps most of us may have the "perfect" grades. 4.0, 4.2, 4.5, sure it could virtually place someone as a shoe-in for any college yes? NO! How many times have we heard these inspirational stories of highly unlikely candidates being accepted to prestigious schools? Grades aren't enough. You have to at least have competitive grades, be committed to extra-curricular activities--and don't even get me started with that. So what if you are involved with extra curriculars? The addmissions offices want you to hold offices, or spend your entire high school career with these specific clubs or organizations. I don't midn this but: 1) There are not enough office positions for every college applicant in the world. (What I mean is, not all of us are natural leaders, and to simply populate a colege with nothing but leaders would be unfair and most likely a pursuit for perfection).

         I'm all about commitment, but then again what scares me is that I don't know what they want. It's a hush-hush process where colleges give you a list of requirements-- which isn't a safe platform to stand on in the first place--and then accept students or make exceptions that go against those very rules. We always have to be on our guard. This isn't the feeling a person is supposed to get when making choices for college. We're supposed to feel stressed out, exhausted, and proud of our achievements, but instead it's a dog eat dog competition for that coveted spot in yoru dream institution. So go ahead, get that 4.3 GPA, get that 2200 SAT score, be the president of every single club in school. Just hope you do well with your Personal Statements. You know, colleges have turned down perfect applicants because of it. And you never know, having a job or not could mean a yes or no. Being Asian could mean "too much" or "not enough". And maybe in a few years, they'll just have a "Battle Royale" competition to be admitted into college. How far are you willing to go?