While college application season has been far from ordinary this fall, there are some aspects of the process that will prevail no matter what.

I know many of you have had to apply to schools without having the opportunity to visit the campuses. While we’re fortunate colleges have gone above and beyond and created extraordinary virtual tour experiences, the experience of going in person is unparalleled.

Some of you may be waiting until you get acceptance letters to go and visit.

Some of you are afraid you’ll have to decide where you’re going without ever getting to see the campus.

Some of you are worried you won’t even be able to move on campus next fall.

While all of these are logical and realistic challenges we’re facing, you are not alone. This year has affected everyone, but it will not last forever. One day, you will take that drive or that plane ride and visit your dream school in person. You’ll anxiously pull up to the campus, looking through the window, wondering, “How will I know this is the right school for me?” I can tell you from personal experience – when you know, you know.

You’ll look around in awe, taking in the students and buildings and imagining yourself in the midst of all the busyness and excitement you see. You’ll feel the urge to jump out of the car and explore as much as you can before having to leave. It will feel like you found your new home.

If it happens to be a rainy day and it STILL feels like home, then you will have passed the ultimate rainy day test. If even on a rainy day you stand there in the middle of campus, with an umbrella shivering in the cold and say to yourself, “This is where I belong,” then you know you’ve found your dream school.

We will weather this storm together. You will have your chance, too. I can’t wait for you to get that “feeling” on a rainy day and start your next journey.