The moment had finally come. That moment all Uppers and some Seniors anticipate with dread for months. The moment that people told me would determine so much about my future. My SAT scores were online.

I didn’t hesitate to look—I’ve taken a laid back attitude toward the college process and had decided that no matter what I’d be happy. But as I glanced at my score and analyzed where I stood on the spectrum, I couldn’t help but feel a pang of pride.

And then I was overwhelmed...