Grad School.

You know what's ridiculously terrifying? Grad school

Grad school isn't a given. I'm not saying that everyone is guaranteed to get into an undergraduate program but the general idea is "well, I'll get in somewhere even if it isn't my first choice". Grad school also requires a definite choice. You don't have to do it. College..in this day and age, it's basically assumed you will take some kind of college course and get a degree. Whether is be associates or bachelors, most will go for it.

Graduate school is different. There is no guarantee you'll get in somewhere. And no one is making you do it. Not society, not your parents, not your friends. Actually definitely not your parents since all they want you to do is a get a job to start paying off the undergrad loans. Sure they're excited for you and proud of your accomplishments and know it will benefit you in the long run but right now, all they see if "oh my gosh what if she fails". Which you probably won't. But you might.

You apply to a few programs, not as many as undergrad most likely. And you are looking for something different this time around. You probably put in a lot more money when applying this time around. Or at least it seems like more because you're the one paying the testing and application fees. And paying for all those visits. And for what? The completely daunting thought always exists. What if you don't get in? Or, and this might be even more difficult, what if you don't get into your top choice? Do you settle for second best or do you wait a year? If you don't get in at all, the obvious choice is to get a job. But if your goal was to go to grad school right away to avoid the appeal of a steady income once you apply to grad school...you might be on a completely different path now.

Scary thoughts.