How to Stay Calm While Waiting for College Decisions

By Aria Falcone, JIF ‘17

It’s that time of year: you will find out about your Regular Decision college applications soon, and as the dates draw nearer, you may find yourself growing nervous. Not to fear! Here are some tips that may help you stay calm under pressure, and instead of being nervous, to feel excitement!

1.  Journal. Write down all of the emotions you are feeling. If you are worried about not getting into a school, write it down. If you are like me and you have thoughts constantly rushing around your mind, putting all of your worries, fears, and excitement on paper will help you feel calmer, and address how you are feeling. Write everything out. Although this might take a while, it will allow you to be calmer before, during, and after you find out where you have been accepted.

2.  Visualize yourself at all of your schools. If you’ve visited the school, then this will be easier, but if not, look up images of your schools, or take the virtual tour that some schools have. Imagine yourself going to class, living in the dorms, eating in the dining halls, going to the library, spending time with friends, etc.

3.  Talk to family or friends about how you are feeling. If you have a close friend or family member who you feel comfortable talking to, it always helps to have a support system. If you are close with a parent or sibling, ask them to be there for you when you check your decision. Talk about your feelings, hopes, and fears.

4.  Don’t check incessantly! If you are constantly checking your email or the decision portal, and you don’t see any updates, stop! This is just causing more nervousness. Set a time for yourself to check. If your schools gave a specific time, check a little after that time so the website doesn’t slow down or crash. If not, choose a time when you think they might release the decisions, and check then. Constantly refreshing a page and not seeing anything may increase your stress.

5.  Take your mind off of it. Take a break from thinking about your decisions. Work on your homework if you can. If not, go for a walk, make something to eat, play with your pet, watch a movie, or just do something that you enjoy. Before you know, it will be time to find out.

6.  Celebrate your decisions, whatever they are. Whether it is yes, no, or waitlist, every decision is a positive decision. This means that you are one step closer to determining where you will spend your next four years.