Photo by @alphaspirit by Canva
The summer season has officially come to a halt. The school year has officially begun, and it’s time to apply to college. Whether it was a summertime sadness, and you streamed Lana Del Rey all summer or had the time of your life. It’s officially time to get serious, but not too serious. Not only is it essential to put your best foot forward when tackling college applications and finessing the system, but also to remember you’re only human. Don’t let these submissions consume you. With that said, here’s the 101 on surviving a time like this.
College Applications, Dreadful Rejections, Stressful Waiting List, Long Waits, Oh My. How to Survive it.
Having a Positive Mindset
When you begin the college application process, it’s crucial to know how you feel about approaching it. A key factor to remember is that everything’s affected by the mindset. Remember, when approaching the applications, always have a positive mindset. Oddly enough, it will honestly make all the difference and help the process go smoother, as well as eliminate lots of stress.
The Word Stress or Stressful
When people think about applying to college, they automatically start contemplating on how stressful it will be. So instead, alternately attempt to swap out the word stressful for exciting. Instead of thinking, “This college application is utterly stressful.” Think:
- “I’m extremely excited to begin this application and take the right steps towards a brighter future.”
- “I’m remarkably excited to exhibit how brilliant I am to my dream college.”
- “I’m beyond excited to get an opportunity to attend my dream school.”
Focus on the Positive
Forget the “Oh no’s what if I get rejected,” and the “There’s no way I’m getting in, I’m not good enough.” along with any other negative thoughts. Consequently, if you’re going into the applications pondering all of that. Then you’re more than likely not going to get in. Not because you aren’t adequate to attain admission to your dream college, but because you’re self-sabotaging yourself. Putting all that negative energy out there, including self-doubt, is certainly unhelpful. Remember, redirect your mind to the positives, the reasons why you will and should get into your desired college, how astonishing, prominent and unique you are, and you’ll be unstoppable.
Time Travel with Your Mind
Stop thinking about the “What if I don’t get in,” and start thinking about the “What if I get in.” Not even that, mentally jump into the future and alter it into “when I get in.” Think next fall is going to be marvelous. I’m going to achieve this, join that club; I’m ecstatic to major in this, as well as study in that peaceful library. Or whatever your heart desires to do in your dream school. Kind of like saying affirmations but make sure you’re visualizing it too. Furthermore, believe it’s yours, and more than likely, it will be yours! It’s all about the mindset.
Essays Aren’t as Scary as You Think
If you are petrified about writing your essays for college, don’t be. College essays are undeniably the best part of the entire college application. Being, you get to write about what makes you, you. You get to tell college admissions why you genuinely want to be included in their incredible school and what you can contribute. You are getting the opportunity to be yourself and tell your story. Therefore, prepare to get creative; this is an exciting part of college applications. If unsure of what makes you stand out, consider positive things about yourself, why you like yourself, goals you’ve achieved, etc. Figure out what makes you “sparkle” and expand on that. It’s your time to shine.
Me Time
Regardless of how hard you worked or how little you think you’ve worked, ensure you take breaks or [self-care] days. Don’t devote too much time to your application to the point where it takes over your life, and you suffer from burnout, ensure you have balance. Don’t think about the applications and do things that make you feel at peace! Here are some things you can do during this time for your mental health.
- Binge a show on Netflix
- Get lost in your favorite book
- Do yoga or meditation
- See that movie you really wanted to see
- Pamper yourself with a spa day
- Go shopping for new clothes
- Make your favorite dessert
- Eat at your favorite restaurant
- Watch the clouds (it’s super peaceful and enjoyable, especially if your friend accompanies you)
- Any activity that makes you happy!
Breathe!
Utilize breathing exercises and coping mechanisms when you feel things are getting stressful.
Submit and Let Go
Above all, when you hit that submit button, it’s important to remember you did your absolute best! Regardless of what happens. Don’t be hard on yourself; the right college will choose you–no worries. So, close out those application tabs and forget about it. Attempt to disregard it until results come in. Make sure to enjoy your holidays because Thanksgiving is a time to think about being thankful for people in your life and spending time with family. Moreover, Christmas is one of the most wonderful times of the year!
