There are several stress peaks
during this very stressful year, and this two weeks period is one of
them (the other major one is at the end of March).
Acceptances will be trickling in, not just for you, but also for your friends. It is easy to get overwhelmed and depressed and anxious about the news. If you get accepted, you are ecstatic and happily share the news no matter how it will affect your friends and their mood. If you get deferred, you suddenly doubt that you will get in anywhere else. If you are denied... well, it isn't a good time.
So here are some tips for surviving (and thriving) during this very difficult time:
1. STOP TALKING TO YOUR FRIENDS ABOUT COLLEGE. This is especially important for parents. I walked on the treadmill at my health club and overheard 3 separate conversations about college. And in each one, at least one of parents got more and more anxious as they talked. You have plenty of other things to discuss. Be considerate about your friends' feelings and be discreet. Do not post your acceptance on Facebook! (this goes for parents, too!) Wait until May when all the choices have been made, and then you can celebrate.
2. FOCUS ON THE POSITIVES. If you have received an acceptance to one of your lower choice schools (safeties), print out the acceptance letter and post it on the refrigerator or someplace where you will see it often. It may not be your first choice, but at least you are going to college. (For those who haven't heard yet, stay positive, and distract yourself in other ways).
3. LET IT GO. If you are denied, repeat this mantra: "There will be other, better colleges for me and it is their loss." And then let it go. Don't obsess about why it happened. It is out of your control.
4. BE CONSTRUCTIVE. If you are deferred, make sure to update your file with mid-year grades, and anything new that has happened since you submitted your application. You still have a chance, so don't get bitter or obsessive. Send in anything that you think will strengthen your file. Also refocus on classwork and grades. They are more important than ever.
5. DO SOMETHING YOU LOVE. Take time to take care of yourself, and spend time with people you care about. Exercise, eat your favorite holiday foods, and enjoy yourself.
Hang in there... this too shall pass!
Acceptances will be trickling in, not just for you, but also for your friends. It is easy to get overwhelmed and depressed and anxious about the news. If you get accepted, you are ecstatic and happily share the news no matter how it will affect your friends and their mood. If you get deferred, you suddenly doubt that you will get in anywhere else. If you are denied... well, it isn't a good time.
So here are some tips for surviving (and thriving) during this very difficult time:
1. STOP TALKING TO YOUR FRIENDS ABOUT COLLEGE. This is especially important for parents. I walked on the treadmill at my health club and overheard 3 separate conversations about college. And in each one, at least one of parents got more and more anxious as they talked. You have plenty of other things to discuss. Be considerate about your friends' feelings and be discreet. Do not post your acceptance on Facebook! (this goes for parents, too!) Wait until May when all the choices have been made, and then you can celebrate.
2. FOCUS ON THE POSITIVES. If you have received an acceptance to one of your lower choice schools (safeties), print out the acceptance letter and post it on the refrigerator or someplace where you will see it often. It may not be your first choice, but at least you are going to college. (For those who haven't heard yet, stay positive, and distract yourself in other ways).
3. LET IT GO. If you are denied, repeat this mantra: "There will be other, better colleges for me and it is their loss." And then let it go. Don't obsess about why it happened. It is out of your control.
4. BE CONSTRUCTIVE. If you are deferred, make sure to update your file with mid-year grades, and anything new that has happened since you submitted your application. You still have a chance, so don't get bitter or obsessive. Send in anything that you think will strengthen your file. Also refocus on classwork and grades. They are more important than ever.
5. DO SOMETHING YOU LOVE. Take time to take care of yourself, and spend time with people you care about. Exercise, eat your favorite holiday foods, and enjoy yourself.
Hang in there... this too shall pass!
