ESM Prep College Counselor Ted Murguia offers some encouraging words to high school seniors awaiting admission decisions. The key to navigating this period of time? Stay busy, stay focused, and stay kind to yourself.
Waiting for college admission decisions can be a stressful and anxiety-inducing time for high school seniors. With so much on the line, it's easy to feel overwhelmed and uncertain about the future. However, it's important to remember that you are not alone in this experience, and there are things you can do to ease your mind during this time.
First, focus on the things you can control. This means maintaining good grades, staying active in extracurricular activities, and practicing self-care. These habits will not only help you feel better in the moment, but will also be beneficial in the long term, regardless of the outcome of your college admissions.
It's also helpful to understand that the college admissions process is not black and white. Admissions committees take many factors into consideration when making their decisions, and it is difficult to predict which applicants will be accepted and which will not. You have done your part—so have confidence that all the work you have done in high school, the process you followed to create your list, and the time you spent developing applications reflect who you are. The process actually works pretty well and the vast majority of students are well matched to colleges where they are admitted. So, try not to stress too much over what you cannot control and focus instead on being the best version of yourself.
Another important point to remember is that college admissions decisions are not the end of the world. There are many paths to success, and even if you don't get into your first choice school, any school that admits you has some outstanding faculty that are doing interesting work, and it will offer you the education and opportunities you need to achieve your goals. Start thinking, instead, of how you will take advantage of the resources available in college so you are well prepared to explore that path as you pick the college where you will enroll in April and when you show up next fall.
One more way to alleviate stress during this time is to stay connected with friends and family. They can offer you support, encouragement, and a sense of normalcy during this uncertain time. Try to make plans with friends or participate in activities you enjoy, whether that means playing sports, watching movies, or reading books. These distractions can help you forget about the waiting and feel more relaxed.
Finally, try to be kind to yourself. College admission decisions are just one part of your life, and you are much more than just your grades, test scores, and extracurricular activities. Try to focus on the things that matter most to you, such as your passions, interests, and what makes you happy. These are the things that will sustain you and help you find success, no matter where you end up going to college.
