By Molly Walsh - Pressing the submit button on a college application is a moment charged with emotions. It’s a mix of relief, excitement, and anxiety as you finally send off months of hard work into the unknown. That click feels monumental, like you’re launching your dreams into the universe with confetti, but it also comes with uncertainty.
So what happens next? As you enter the waiting period, the excitement quickly becomes a constant bundle of nerves. You find yourself checking your college portal obsessively, hoping to catch any updates or notifications about missing documents. Each login becomes a way to reassure yourself that everything is in order.
The application process is unpredictable. Staying flexible if something doesn’t go according to plan—like a late recommendation letter or a last-minute application change- is essential. Adaptability is critical, and often, setbacks can lead to unexpected opportunities. Communicate frequently with your high school counselor to double-check that the college transcript and recommendation requests were received. You are responsible for staying on top of your applications, so don’t feel bad about emailing your counselor with questions.
In this phase of waiting, keeping organized is crucial. Many students create spreadsheets to track the colleges they’ve applied to, noting deadlines, usernames, passwords, and application statuses. This helps manage the anxiety of missing items and provides a sense of control during a time when so much feels out of your hands.
The pressure can feel intense in November. With the holidays approaching and deadlines looming, staying motivated is a priority. Finding small ways to reward yourself for completing tasks—like finishing an essay or submitting an application—can make a big difference. Surrounding yourself with supportive friends going through the same process can also help alleviate some of the stress.
For some of you, an acceptance email may arrive. Getting the first “YES” is exhilarating! Whether the specific college is your first choice or not, you know you will attend college somewhere. Take a moment to celebrate your win. If it is one of the larger schools, look at the housing and consider putting a deposit down to ensure you have a place to live on campus, even if it means losing your deposit if you decide on another school. But don't relax too much - you still have plenty of work this month.
Remember to visualize the excitement of starting college and the opportunities that await you. By staying organized, supported, and focused on your goals, you can navigate November’s challenges confidently and enthusiastically, making the most of this time in your college journey.
Stay positive; you’ve got this! Your future awaits, and it’s going to be amazing!
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