In Nov. 2015, my family and I took a trip to Indiana and Illinois to look at Notre Dame and Northwestern University. My perspective on college changed drastically after seeing both of these schools.  I learned that dream schools are overrated.

The glint of the Golden Dome caught my eye from a distance as my family and I made our way into Notre Dame’s campus. I wanted to feel that I could belong there for four years of my life, but that’s not how I felt.

I walked into Notre Dame with many expectations. Unfortunately, not all of these expectations were met and I felt sad that I did not like the school as much as I had hoped I would. I think this happened because I went into the visit with a tainted view. I chose my “dream school” before I had even visited.

I do not deny that Notre Dame is a beautiful school, especially in the fall. The foliage changes color as the trees prepare to lose their leaves, and the brilliant reds, oranges and yellows strengthen autumn’s presence. However its beauty is the only thing I really felt drawn to.

Both my grandfather and uncle are Notre Dame alumni. My mom had never seen the school before and her contagious anticipation swayed my opinion, raising my expectations of Notre Dame. This goes to show that when evaluating a college, students should focus on themselves, because at the end of the day, that student will be the one attending the school for four years, not his or her parents.

Although it’s a good idea to adopt someone’s positive opinion about a school, no one can automatically assume he or she will feel the same way. This is one area in life where students cannot just follow the crowd or let others choose for them. Students have to think about what they want.

I did visit Northwestern before I visited Notre Dame, which may have impacted my premature opinion of Notre Dame as I compared it to Northwestern.

I had a very different experience while touring the Northwestern campus. I arrived at Northwestern with no expectations whatsoever and this contributed to my open mind. It was easier to take in the gorgeous grounds of Wildcat territory.

When I spent my time on Northwestern’s campus, my family and I weren’t a part of an admissions and campus tour group. We walked around the campus on our own, making it easier for me to form my own opinion without any ambassador’s biased attitude. My uncle and grandfather had suggested places that we visit on Notre Dame’s campus, so our itinerary was more rigid. I took my relatives’ enthusiasm to heart, but again, I was not able to see the campus through their eyes.

For these reasons, I encourage future college applicants to avoid fixation on one school because this limits one’s perspective. Take my example: I thought that I would love Notre Dame but I actually liked Northwestern better.

I also believe that dream schools should not be worshipped because when so much hope builds up only to be crushed by a denial, we question if it all is even worth it.

Keep an open mind when visiting a college because I learned that until a student experiences it for herself, she will never truly know how she feels about the school