Gender revealsâyouâve either been to one or youâve seen them plastered all over Instagram. It ranges from a couple releasing pink or blue balloons into the air to serving a cake with blue or pink icing, and to even slicing into a gender reveal lasagna to learn the sex. Yes, you read that right. People love to include their friends, family, and the internet in major life moments. Thatâs why itâs no surprise high school seniors have jumped on the bandwagon and have started a new reveal trend: the college decision video.
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According to The Cut, weâve officially moved on from the perfectly crafted Instagram post of the future college student sitting on their bed, completely decked out in new college apparel and surrounded by balloons, mascot stuffed animals, pennants, and a glossy acceptance banner. Now, YouTube is filling up with college acceptance and decision video reveals from the future Class of 2023.Â
When I further deep-dived into this phenomenon, I searched for âCollege Decision Reveals 2019â on YouTube. What I found were hundreds upon thousands of videos posted within the last few days or months of students and vloggers reacting to their college decision. Many of the videos garnered more than a thousand views and likes, and there was even one in 2018 that reached over 11 million views.Â
In a college decision reveal video, students will often narrow-down choices one by one until theyâve finally announced the college where theyâve chosen to actually commit to. Others opted to just react to their acceptances, which usually includes a lot of screaming, crying and shocked gasps, and not to reveal their decisions yet. And a few have filmed their reactions to being rejected from their dream schools. These YouTubers usually seem to look on the bright side and aim to be vulnerable with their audience, which I completely appreciate. The New York Times reported recently that a number of top universities such as Yale, Harvard, and the University of Southern California had a record low admission rates.Â
Some have even incorporated props such as cupcakes, cake pops, or hats. In one college reveal video, a future student filled a bunch of balloons with her choiceâs school colors. She then had friends and family pop the balloon to reveal what school she chose. I wonât reveal her decision, but I will say her grandmotherâs reaction was my favorite.
I have to admit that these college-decorated cupcakes and hand-painted letters are actually adorable and genius. This is an important and often life-changing moment for these students, and why not share with other people youâre excited. If you want to reveal your college choice on YouTube, ignore the eye rolls, comments, and just go for it! Congrats to the Class of 2023!Â