The Early Action and Early Decision Rounds have wrapped up, and the results may not have been what you expected. As regular decision approaches, it’s inevitable to feel anxious. No matter what, don’t let expectations and pressure get in the way of a great senior year and a successful college admissions process.
5 Ways to Stay Positive During the College Admissions Roller Coaster
1. Your Feelings Matter.
It is absolutely okay to be sad or disappointed if the decisions didn’t go the way you expected. Don’t minimize those emotions; they are valid. Be kind to yourself. Take a couple of days away from social media or put college admissions talk on pause with family and friends. Setting this boundary is a mature way to protect your mental health.
2. College Results do not dictate your self-worth
Remember, it’s not you, it’s them. If there is one statement I will reiterate strongly, it is that your self-worth is not dictated by college admissions decisions. There are multiple reasons college admissions reps deny applications, and applicants may never know them. Those reasons don’t necessarily have to do with you; they’re driven by institutional priorities. What are those? Who knows? And that’s my point.
3. Celebrate Your Yeses.
Shift your focus to the colleges that want you. If you applied to a balanced list and focused on fit, you will have plenty of great options. Instead of looking back at the ones that said no, look forward to the ones that say yes! Go ahead, buy the sweatshirt or the water bottle for the schools that want you!
4. Keep the Pedal to the Metal.
Whether your applications are accepted, deferred, or waitlisted, your second-semester grades are vital. Beware of senioritis. Colleges can rescind offers if your academic performance drops significantly. Alternatively, a good performance can turn that maybe into a yes. Keep yourself motivated with little rewards-go to that movie, buy the new top, play your favorite game. You’ve earned those breaks but keep your eye on the finish line.
5. Evaluate Alternative Paths.
There are many paths to success. If your #1 choice didn’t pan out, consider transfer options, community college, or a gap year. These are great ways to achieve your goals. Remember: no matter how you get there, the diploma you earn carries the same prestige.
