Casey Kiss
Voices Editor
Photo credits: Getty Images
With university applications looming as I write this, I can’t bring myself to act like everything is fine and write a professional, soft-spoken piece. I’m ripping out my hair, and I’m well aware I’m not the only one feeling overwhelmed and overworked by applications and awaiting answers. Graduating Dawson students seem to be stressed as turkeys in October. There's only one word that properly describes the process of getting into an institution of higher education; ridicustrating.
Ridicustrating is a word I just made up, combining ridiculous and frustrating. I feel it perfectly captures the way people are feeling about that March 1st deadline, application fees, and waiting for that “Congratulations!” email. I also feel that I’ve already abused my last remaining brain cell by writing countless letters of intent and creating portfolios to market myself like a show pony. Candidly, ridicustrating is also birthed of a lack of enough energy to use spell check, my bad.
I’ve obnoxiously brought up my complaints about the university application process with just about anybody who would listen, and I’m always met with eager agreement. But why is the process so stressful? Well, each program has its own list of requirements, from R score levels, to mounds of additional documents, not to mention having to complete this extensive to-do list for each individual school. “The McGill application process is whack,” says Elizabeth Woo in reference to her struggle to make sense of this important undertaking.
The clarity and guidance offered while applying is non-existent. “Concordia asked me to send my portfolio 3 times… SoRrY? Should I take screenshots of every page and put it in a word document? SIR?” offered Florian Breault about his experience with the chaotic warzone that is admissions sites. “I’d rather commit manslaughter than go through the highs and lows of university applications ever again” says Colia Bach, another fellow graduating Dawson student, with a subtle reference to Riverdale.
Receiving an admission acceptance only comes after the stress of building your application and then stewing in anxiety waiting for said answer. To top things off, the acceptance will cost you around the same amount it cost to apply in the first place. Obviously, all these CEGEP students are just itching to get rid of the wads of cash lining their pockets, right?
All of this comes despite some Universities being desperate for new admissions. A totally very anonymous managing editor explained to me, “I kid you not, Bishop’s even invited me to a production of Godspell”. The email read, “Congratulations once again on being admitted to Bishop’s” which was followed by the invitation– and allow me to put emphasis on the “once again”.
This isn't an isolated experience though; A number of students I spoke to are getting spammed with emails reminding them to “Hey! Please come to our school!”. So, explain to me how this makes any sense; In an ever-changing political landscape, institutions of higher education are struggling, yet they ask students to jump through flaming hoops to get in.
Despite the hassle of figuring out your plans for higher education (or not, both are valid decisions), I have immense faith in all you dear readers, as you were smart enough to pick up an issue of The Plant to begin with (wise decision).
While I do pity those (myself included) currently facing the Goliath that is university applications, to those not yet facing these trials and tribulations but are planning on doing so: Good luck! You’ll do great, fingers crossed for minimal tears and multiple admissions.
No matter how ridicustrating I find the admissions process to be, don't show this article, written out of pure spite, to Concordia admissions. I still want to get in. I love University, it's so great. Please accept my application.