The anticipation leading up to college applications is a stress you don't quite understand until you get there. But once you click submit, what’s next? In this article, I will provide
tips for senior year stress, student productivity, and what to do after applying to college.
Two Sides of the Same Coin
Senior year can bring a lot of pressure, but if you can rework it, it can turn into the
most productive year yet.
The End of the Beginning
Although you are nearing the end, stay on top of your academics. Make an effort to get assignments turned in on time and study for tests. Be prepared for
colleges to ask for a final transcript. Every grade matters, this is just the beginning!
Necessities
Staying organized is mandatory, especially when entering your senior year. If you are someone who works better with a certain environment, schedule, and to-do list, make that a priority.
Stay productive by checking your email regularly and making sure you have access to any documents that may be required by colleges. These may be transcripts, exam scores, or letters of recommendation. By doing so, it will eliminate unnecessary stress and give you a head start when
college applications roll around.
What is the most necessary, however, is to not let the action get to you. Don’t let life stress you out. It is your life and it is under your control. Stay in a positive headspace and create time to do these things that will take you where you’ve always dreamed of going.
Up to Date
If the last time you
inquired about a scholarship was your first semester and you’re nearing the end of second, you have not stayed up to date. Staying up to date is another way to shut off the part of your brain saying, “You don’t have it together.”
For example, when reviewing scholarship applications, ensure that you meet the criteria. They may show interest in a specific GPA and your extra-curriculars.
It also wouldn't hurt to get a foot in the door by browsing and asking around about potential opportunities such as
internships, jobs, and scholarships. Search for any and all scholarships, visit colleges, and ask questions!
The Post-Submission Period
After college application windows come to a close, you may be asking yourself, “What is there to do now?” Below are some waiting tips and suggestions for this period.
First Up
The first things to focus on in the post-submission timeline include creating application portals and tracking them, sending in transcripts (which should be easy to find if you have stayed organized), and maintaining your grades. If you applied through an application portal, make sure to track them consistently for any updates.
Middle Ground
During this time, you will not want to be so focused on the question: “Will I be accepted?”. Sure, it is important, but doing things that make you happy and distract you are just as good. So,
continue your normal hobbies, spend time with those you love, and volunteer! This will moderate anxiety while waiting for decisions.
The “Final” Phase
This phase is a sort of closing phase after submitting college applications. Stay consistent in your research of academic programs. Continue thoroughly checking emails and deleting ones you don’t need. Consider
sending an email to recommenders to express your gratitude for the time, effort, and thoughtfulness.
If you happen to get accepted by multiple colleges, narrow it down to the ones that have the most of what you like! Assess if one has a better program, is closer to home, is farther from home, has more things to do, etc.
In truth, there is no order to follow in these phases. Anything can happen along your journey towards college. This can take you through life phases not discussed in this article. The best thing you can do is use your time wisely and keep moving forward.
