In her extensive, laborious experience applying to and searching out colleges, the prevailing sensation the author feels is that of being a mutt at a pedigree dog show, praying her little paws off that the judges do not realize how unqualified she is. In reality, the process is slightly less degrading than this description. In this article, the author writes that admission officers are generally polite, responsive to questions and concerns and only rarely rub people's ears when they sit. Throughout interviews, visits and the writing of essays, the author has managed to uphold, at least, the facade of grace. She contends that college admission officers know that no one is perfect. As reasonable people, they have mostly reasonable expectations. All that students can do is be as honest with themselves and their goals as they possibly can, and realize that if they do not get into a certain school, maybe it is for the best.