It is a daily recurrence now- Facebook statuses, “tweets” and increasing smiles emanating from seniors all signify one thing- it is finally that time, after months of anticipation. The answer, to many, is in the mailbox- is that packet fat or thin? A bright or dim future? Acceptance or rejection? In a few days, many will find out.

At this point in time, there are many who have already learned their fate- whether through early acceptance, or a rolling admissions process. Many consider these seniors the “lucky ones.”

“I’ve applied to a total of seven colleges, and I’m relieved. I got into my second choice college, but I’m anxious about hearing from my top choice on April 1,” senior Lynn Wu said.

Many colleges have reported record application numbers- Harvard University alone stated that they received approximately 35,000 applications for about 2,200 spots in the class of 2015. However, with decisions finally coming in, blood pressure is easing off, as seniors come to face a decision that will decide their near future. According to the College Board, the administrator of the SATs, 1.6 million college-bound seniors took the SAT last year. This number serves as a basis for the feelings many associate with the competitive aspect of applying to college- the sheer mass of students who are all vying for a spot at their dream school.

Many students share this apprehension, as they come to terms with their competition. However, in retrospect, many seniors seem at ease about the system. “The process of getting into college isn’t as bad as you might think it is, but there is a filter system to see what they want,” senior Margaret D’Amico said, who will be attending the University of Mary Washington.

In fact, as the number of applicants is rising, universities are finding ways to cut down on costs- including acceptance and rejection letters. Many institutions are using electronic means to relay the message to seniors. “My applications were all online, I also got my acceptances online, and in the mail,” senior Jenna Balicki said, who will be matriculating to the University of Miami next year. In a school as large as the University of Miami, with over 10,000 undergraduate students, it seems that “digitalizing” the application process is the fiscally responsible choice.

As the year wears on, seniors are learning every day of what choices they have for next year. With the official date for notification letters sent on April 1 for most colleges, many seniors are still waiting to hear the final verdict on the applications they sent in months ago. For those who have been accepted, many seniors feel they are finally able to rest. “It’s a relief to know where I’ll be next year, and to know that I am wanted somewhere,” reflected senior Lillian Singer, who will be going to the College of William & Mary.