Managing Expectations
The 4th week of the Lent term has officially ended. Time has been flying as usual. After talking to a few friends, there was an informal consensus that Term 2 (Lent) has been more enjoyable than Term 1 (Michaelmas).
One reason I suspect for this occurrence is that the initial expectation many students set for the LSE might have been too unrealistic. For newcomers, a lot of hype and therefore expectations are created about the LSE and by the LSE. There is the illustrious alumni list, the self-proclaimed title of the “most international student body in the world”, and the world renowed faculty members. As well, the LSE publishes these tacky but curiously compelling graduate salary statistics that add another dimension to the LSE hype. Last but not least, the brand of the LSE provides a certain illuminous qualities that raises the expectations to an intangibly high standard.
The expectations of something great and spectacular is ever looming for some prospective student. Disappointment mounts when reality does not live up to expectations. However, the winter break between the Michaelmas and Lent terms provides an important adjustment period. Students adjust their Lent expectations to fit with the experiences they received in Michaelmas. It does not mean students lower their expectations in particular. It just means that they have a more realistic set of expectations about what the LSE is all about. The actual qualities that the LSE possesses are revealed and students are able to see the school without the initial expecations whatever they may be.
The tip I have for prospective students is to arrive with an open mind. Expectations are, of course, constantly present, but if you are willing to abandan the expectations based on hype and experience the LSE in all its faults and glories, you may end up receiving more than what you expected.
