So the moment has arrived. Early Decisions are starting to come out. The most notable that come out on Dec. 12 and 13 are Harvard, Cornell, and Washington and Lee. I did apply to W&L, but it wasn’t ED. The day that I’m waiting for is Dec. 18, also the day Columbia University comes out. 

I was trying to be really under-the-radar about where I applied for Early Decision because I didn’t want to give myself or anyone false hope, especially with the acceptance rate dipping to less than five percent. But, I think I’ve pretty much told everyone at this point so there it is out in the open. 

Columbia has been my dream school since the fourth grade. I had just visited New York City for the first time and fell in love with the city. 

I was never bored. If one of our excursions fell through, there was always something to do. I toured the campus my freshman year, and it was that moment I couldn’t envision myself anywhere else. I have multiple hoodies and other merch from Columbia. 

It’s not good that I got my hopes up. I told myself I wasn’t going to, but I couldn’t stop going over all of the reasons why they should accept me, not thinking of any they may find to reject me. 

December 19, 2024, I will either come to school with puffy red eyes and broken dreams, or with a Columbia Blue sweatshirt with a big smile on my space. 

Until then, it’s Christine Against the Clock.