Such a big part of my high school experience has been spent thinking about how I could prepare for the college application process.
 
In my freshman year of high school, I had already gone on a college tour. By junior year, one of my favorite pastimes had become scrolling through the Web sites of different colleges.
 
Now that the stress of searching and applying is over, I find that I am beginning to appreciate and see high school as more than just a part of my life that is spent preparing for college. My appreciation has especially grown now that I have no ACT, SAT and state tests left to complete.
 
The most important lesson that I have learned from the college selection process is the importance of being willing to step outside my comfort zone.
 
When I began the process of looking for a college, I thought that I would end up at a small college somewhere in the Northeast.
 
 When I discovered Vanderbilt University, however, I realized that it was the perfect fit for me. If I did not look at schools outside my comfort zone, then I would not have found Vanderbilt. One of the most exciting things about Vanderbilt is being able to see a new part of the country, experience a different climate, and hear new types of music.
 
I did not know if I was ready to venture out of the familiar. But then I realized that putting yourself out there and being open to anything is just as much of a lesson as any lecture that would take place in a classroom. So I encourage any rising seniors not to limit your options until you have seriously considered a wide range of colleges.
 
One of the last decisions that I have left is about picking a roommate. Vanderbilt gives you the option to request a specific person to be your roommate.
 
There is even a Facebook group dedicated to finding your roommate. People fill out and post a brief questionnaire about themselves, answering things like, “What are your favorite hobbies?” and “How much do you intend to party?” Other people can comment on the post if they are interested in being your roommate.
 
Part of me is tempted to post my information to this group but I also feel that there are benefits to just letting roommate selection be random. One of my fears with picking a roommate is that I might not end up getting along with him and then I will regret not having the process be random.
 
At least if the selection is made for me, I won’t feel completely responsible. Maybe I have to be responsible? Maybe this is what college is about.