If you’re a college-bound high-schooler in the throes of the application process, you’re probably hearing a lot of the same questions: How’s your application essay coming along? Where are you going to school and why? What will you major in?
If you’re like many teens playing this high-stakes game, you might be thinking: “Enough is enough, people! I’ll let you know how it turns out, but until then, please stop telling me about how my top choice is ‘a real long shot!’”
According to high school counselor Sara Zessar, it’s perfectly polite to deflect these questions.
“With a little preparation, students can avoid being the center of attention at family get-togethers,” Zessar says in her blog post. Here are a few of her handy-dandy strategies.
*When pumped for info, offer a vague response, like, “I’m still exploring my options.” Then change the subject back to the other person, since most folks love to talk about themselves anyway, especially when it comes to their college days.
*Sit at the kids’ table. Sound like a demotion or stepping back in time? Don’t think of it that way. Cousin Zack doesn’t even know what the SAT is, which makes him the perfect dinner companion.
*Say you’re super stressed about it, and don’t really feel like talking about it, but that you’ll let everybody know where you land. Most people will respect this.
*Go the humor route. “Say something silly or off-the-wall,” Zessar advises. Her example: “I plan to sail the world, find a cure for cancer, and become the youngest person to win the Nobel Peace Prize.”
Or, she jokes: Start a crazy fight. Once mashed potatoes are dripping from the walls, nobody’s going to care what you plan to do with your life.
For more of Zessar’s wisdom, check out her blog post.