Cappex College Blog

Holidays don’t always mean peaceful time away from the stresses of work and school. In fact, holidays often bring their own stresses to the forefront. If you’re in the middle of your college search right now, this Thanksgiving weekend may be particularly tough.

Thanksgiving can mean lots of time with the family, especially extended family. This can mean lots of questions over turkey and dressing. Family members will want to know which schools you are applying to, and which colleges are your favorite. They may even offer their own unsolicited opinions on college or share tales from their days on campus.

Family pressure will only add to your college search stresses. Try to let it roll off your back, and don’t let it distract you from what should be the focus of your college search: You. It doesn’t matter where Cousin Jenny went to school or which college would make Uncle Frank most proud. You need to find the right college for you. What works best for a family member may be an uncomfortable fit for your needs. If you’re happy, satisfied and engaged with your college list then your family will feel the same way.

If you’ve got any outstanding work to do on your applications, use the days away from school to finish them up. Polish up your essay. Proofread your application. Check the addresses. Just don’t get sidetracked from the main goal at hand: Getting in to the college that is right for you.

If your applications are already out, you can get a jump start on next year’s Thanksgiving dilemma: Going home for the first time. CNN has an interesting look at how schedules can be strained after a few years on your own in college.

If you’re traveling: Be safe. If you’re eating: Enjoy. Happy Thanksgiving.