College Lessons to Learn from Wicked

Let’s be so for real: College admissions (and everything after, too) can feel like a full-blown Broadway production.

There’s drama. There’s overthinking. There’s at least one person in your life who seems suspiciously perfect and calm about everything (how??). And there’s you, just trying to write a 650-word monologue about “a time you overcame adversity” without sounding like a robot.

So, if you’re wondering how to avoid complications in your college experience (like Madame Morrible, am I right?), allow me to present a little magical wisdom from the Wicked universe, because Elphaba and Glinda have been there.

Here’s what the Wicked witches can teach you about navigating the college journey, defying expectations, and finding your place in a world that’s not always built for uniqueness.

“It’s Time to Try Defying Gravity” = Shoot Your Shot.

From day one, Elphaba is told she’s too different: Too bold, too green, too Elphaba. But plot twist: All those things end up being her greatest strengths. When it comes to your college list, don’t let fear keep you grounded.

In the admissions world, it’s easy to feel like you need to shrink yourself to fit some imaginary checklist. Don’t. The schools that are right for you want your quirky, passionate self. The one who reads fantasy books, runs community cleanups, edits fanfic until 2 a.m., or binge-watches forensic science reels for fun.

Apply to your dream schools, your reach schools, your “I might cry if I don’t get in but I’m applying anyway” schools. Even if you feel like your stats aren't perfect, your story might resonate more than you think. And spoiler alert: perfection is a myth anyway. Remember, your “too much” is going to be just right once you find your college fit.

And just remember, there's more than one way to follow the yellow brick road. Make sure your path includes a few target schools where your academic profile is right in the middle of their range, and a couple of sure bet schools where your stats are above average. Because sometimes, the Emerald City you’re meant for isn’t the one you expected, but it’s the one that feels like home.

“Popular” Doesn’t Always Equal Best Fit.

Sure, Glinda’s got the wand, the followers, the aesthetic … but as the story unfolds, we learn popularity doesn’t always equal purpose.

Same goes for colleges. Just because a school is ranked high or has cool merch doesn’t mean it’s the right one for you. What matters more: the campus vibe, the programs, the support systems, and whether you can picture yourself thriving there (and maybe also finding your own Glinda friendship or Fiyero romance in the dining hall). Choose your dear old Shiz University!

The Wizard Isn’t Always Right.

Elphaba idolized the Wizard, until (spoiler alert!) she realized the whole thing was a glittery illusion. Similarly, not everything you read or hear about college is gospel.

Be skeptical of one-size-fits-all advice. Sit down with your guidance counselor and ask the questions that matter to you. Talk to students. Explore what you need in a campus environment, not what the algorithm told you was best.

Remember: Even the guy behind the curtain doesn’t always know what he’s talking about.

Labels Are Overrated: Let Them Go.

“Wicked.” The label sticks to Elphaba, but fans of the musical know it’s not true.

College applicants should cast off their own labels. “Perfect.” “Average.” “Undecided.” They don’t mean a thing.

You don’t have to know exactly who you are or what you want to major in. College is where you figure that out. So, whether you're a future business queen, STEM guru, or something else entirely, don’t stress about fitting in a box.

Being “Green” Is Actually a Flex.

Let’s talk about the obvious: Elphaba is green. Literally and figuratively.

If you’re feeling clueless about college apps right now, you’re not alone. Everyone starts out a little green. But that’s how growth begins. You’ll ask questions, make mistakes, and learn to own your uniqueness at a school that’s your perfect fit.

TBH, Elphaba would thrive at USF. Between our green and gold spirit and “we get you” vibes, she’d 100% be leading an animal rights or sustainability student org while recruiting members at the library Starbucks. No one would need to “de-greenify” her here.

Authenticity > Perfection. Always.

Elphaba never pretends to be something she’s not. She doesn’t fake it for the Wizard. She doesn’t shrink herself to make Glinda feel better. She’s just … her.

And while this isn’t always easy, it makes her powerful. The same goes for your application. You don’t need to have a 5.0 GPA, eight internships, and a nonprofit by age 17. Just be real. Tell your story the way you would tell it. Colleges want to know you, not your résumé’s highlight reel.

Unexpected Friendships Will Change Your Life.

The Glinda/Elphaba friendship? Iconic. Not because they were the same, but because they challenged each other and grew together.

That’s college. You’ll meet roommates, classmates, and random group project members who might drive you a little nuts at first, but then they’ll become the people who hype you up for job interviews and show up for your late-night waffle cravings.

Lean into the weird combos. Some of the best friendships come from the most unlikely places.

The Journey Matters More Than the Plan.

Your college process might not go the way you expected. Elphaba thought meeting the Wizard would be her big break. Instead, she was betrayed and gaslit into chaos.

But here’s the lesson: When the plan falls apart, your real story begins. College rejections sting, yes. But they don’t define your value. Sometimes, the path that seems like a dead end is actually the detour to something better. The college you end up at might not be where you thought your story would take place. But it could be exactly where you need to be, even if it looks a little different from your Pinterest vision board.

Embrace Change – For Good.

“We are led / To those who help us most to grow,” Glinda reflects. Whether it's the schools you visit, the teachers who write your recommendation letters, or the campuses that say yes (or no), every part of this experience will change you. And that’s the goal.

It’s not just about where you get in. It’s about who you become along the way.

And your journey is just beginning. Once on campus, you’ll get involved, meet more new people, and with any luck, you, like Glinda and Elphaba, will “have been changed for good.”

Your Future Is Unlimited.

Elphaba sings in Defying Gravity, “I’m through accepting limits / Cause someone says they’re so …” and that line? It hits hard when you’re deep in senior year stress spiral.

The truth is, there is no one right path. No one perfect major. You don’t have to have your whole life planned out at 17. Your future is vast, evolving, and, yes, unlimited.

College isn’t your final destination. It’s your launchpad. And remember, “Nobody in all of Oz, no wizard that there is or was, is ever going to bring you down.”

Ready to Take the Stage?

If you’re looking for a place that celebrates individuality, encourages bold ideas, and believes in lifting others up along the way, you might feel right at home here at the University of South Florida. You’ll discover that it’s not about where you come from, but how high you’re ready to fly.

And hey, you never know where your broomstick might land. If you’re ready to follow the yellow brick road all the way to USF, hit that apply now button below. (And don’t worry, you won’t need to float in on a bubble to get here.)