10 Things To Do While Waiting for Your Admission Decisions

You’ve done all the hard work, put in long hours, and have finally submitted each part of your college admissions. Now all there is to do is endure the waiting game. Unfortunately, there is no magic way to speed up the process. Instead of being anxious until you hear back, here are 10 productive things you can do while you wait.

1. Write thank you notes

Be sure to craft a special hand-written thank note to those who have supported you through this process. Anyone from teachers, mentors, and others who provided a reference or lent a proofing eye or even words of encouragement should receive a thank you note. 

2. Apply for scholarships

You may have slowed down researching and applying for scholarships during the college applications process. However, now that your applications have been submitted, it’s the perfect time to begin applying for scholarships. Attending college is a substantial financial commitment, and anything extra to help adds up! Make a plan and schedule time each week to look for and apply for scholarships.

3. Stay positive and confident

Each college has a different review process timeline. So, if you’re discovering your friends have received decisions, but you have not, don’t let it get you down. Stressing and having negative thoughts about your college admissions fate will do more harm than good. Instead, try to stay positive and remember that each person’s journey is unique. 

4. Apply for financial aid

In the same vein as applying for scholarships, now is an excellent time to submit your FAFSA and other financial aid documents required by the colleges. Make a note of individual deadlines of the colleges and submit the necessary documents before the deadlines. If you need help paying for college, financial aid is essential. But to receive financial assistance, you have to apply. And what better time than while you’re waiting!

5. Continue researching the colleges

For the colleges you’ve applied to, taking the time to learn more about each institution is a good idea. Conducting further research will significantly help when it comes time to make the final decision and choose the college you’re going to attend. More research will help you make the best, educated decision for yourself. 

6. Keep an eye out for your mail, emails, and voicemails

Although the admission process is completed on your end, colleges may need more information before sending out decisions or financial aid awards. Be sure to check your mail, email, and voicemail regularly if they ask for more information. That way, you can send a prompt reply and provide the information they need as soon as possible.

7. Don’t fall into senioritis

It can be hard to focus after sending hitting submit on your applications. You may feel that applying is the last step, but losing focus on the remainder of your school year can be detrimental. Continue to do well in your classes and keep your grades up as you wait for final decisions. Even if you receive an acceptance letter, a college can rescind their decision if you let your grades fall to the wayside. 

8. Begin looking for a summer job

Scholarships may be the most well-known way to earn extra money for college, but finding a summer job can also help. A job will bring in extra cash and teach important lessons in responsibility and provide work experience for the future. If your school has a career center, you can use that as a starting point to look for part-time jobs in your area. Ask your friends or family members if anyone they know is hiring.

9. Spend time with your family

Between finishing the spring semester, waiting for college decisions, and planning your future, it is not easy to find time for your family. Spending time with them will not only help keep your mind off the anxiety of the waiting game but is also important as you prepare to leave for an extended period of time. Your family won’t be around every day in college, so making memories now will help, especially as classes ramp up and you begin your future.

10. Enjoy your senior year

At this point, there are only a few more months left of high school. Even during pandemic times, many high schools will have a lot of fun things going on. Take some time to attend sporting events, plan for prom, participate in your school’s play, or spend time with friends. Having a little fun during your last few months of high school is permitted! You’ve worked hard to get where you are now, so celebrate! 

Waiting is not fun! Receiving your college decisions will take some time. Have patience and keep yourself busy. College decisions will come soon.