For many, college is the beginning of an exciting and promising future, as it’s an opportunity for newfound independence and a stepping stone to adulthood. However, the anxiety surrounding the admissions process can be overwhelming to students. Below, the graduating class of 2026 shares some advice for rising seniors and juniors to ease the pressure of navigating the process. 

Helen Romita (’26) will be going to Hamilton College next fall. She encourages students to look into a variety of colleges and not to get hung up on one option. “I would advise students to explore different types of colleges and continuously explore what they want out of the college experience and what their options are,” she shared. Romita also highlights the importance of having strong connections and relationships in order to overcome the strain of junior and senior year. “In terms of managing stress, I would say lean on your support system.” 

Sahil Gupta (’26) is enrolled at Yale University where he will study global affairs. He affirms that “the way to navigate the path to college varies for every person, but it should follow a general trajectory of trying new things when you’re younger [and] then narrowing down extracurriculars and interests as you’re older.” 

He also believes that being passionate about something is essential to succeed in the college admissions process. His passion is debate. He shares that he “learned invaluable skills like public speaking, critical thinking, and research that helped me excel in every aspect of my life. It doesn’t really matter what you do, as long as you’re passionate and it brings you some value.”

Gupta highlights the importance of being proactive. “I wish I had built good study habits earlier. I really didn’t think procrastination was bad until senior year, and then I finally started doing stuff early, rather than the day of, and it was genuinely the freest I’ve ever been.”

Gupta concluded that approaching senior year with a college-focused mindset is essential. He encourages students to develop their essay writing skills early and to reflect on what genuinely excites them. Beyond a certain academic threshold, he notes, extracurricular activities and personal identity tend to carry more weight in the admissions process than grades alone. 

As the class of 2026 moves on, their advice points to a common theme: find what you love, lean on the people around you, and trust the process.