Tufts Blogs

I can’t believe it’s been almost two years since I began my journey to tertiary education. As I approach my second year of college, I can't help but reflect on everything that has happened since then.

My college list was one I had begun meticulously curating some time before my final year of high school. I had a color-coded Google Sheets spreadsheet with every college neatly organized alongside a list of pros and cons. Since flying to visit physical campuses wasn’t much of an option for me, my laptop became the closest thing to a college tour. I spent hours watching campus tours on YouTube, following someone through a library or across a quad halfway across the world. I am slightly ashamed to admit that my initial attractions were based on how “aesthetic” a campus was. I love nature and beautiful spaces, so I wanted somewhere I could imagine studying on the lawn or walking through tree-lined paths.

Once I had a list I was somewhat satisfied with, I began my applications. Applying to college as an international student was not fun, to say the least. I was the only person in my family applying to college in the United States, so there wasn't exactly a handbook lying around at home. There was a lot to figure out: filling out the Common Application, reflecting on the past 18 years of my life through personal essays, worrying about whether my SAT score was good enough, and translating parts of my life into a format that made sense to American admissions officers. I spent most of my Christmas break writing essays, editing essays, and then editing them again. Somewhere along the way, my TikTok feed became flooded with “Stats That Got Me Into...” videos. I was introduced to all kinds of extraordinary people, and I started to doubt my own chances of success. Needless to say, it was a stressful time filled with uncertainty.

Then came decision season. After I finally hit submit on all my applications, I breathed a huge sigh of relief and waited. For two months, all I could do was refresh portals. Decision season came with its fair share of highs and lows, excitement and disappointment. When Tufts released its decision, I remember feeling excited and relieved that my college application journey was over. What I didn't know then was that Tufts would end up being exactly where I was meant to be.

Looking back, I am so grateful that I found my way to Tufts—or rather, that Tufts found its way to me. One of the most important things for me during the college process was finding a place that could become my home away from home, somewhere I could find a community of people who would support me. Since arriving on campus, I’ve met people who have truly made me feel like I belong and have made being thousands of miles away from home feel far less daunting.

To my high school self, or to any student currently in the midst of the chaos that is college admissions season, I know how hard it is. But as many times as you've heard this before, trust the process and remember that you will end up exactly where you belong. I am now incredibly proud to be a Jumbo.