As seniors hit “submit” on their college applications, many assume the hardest part is over. But the weeks between sending in materials and receiving decisions can be just as important. However, before stressing about the next steps, take a deep breath and celebrate taking a crucial step in establishing plans after graduation.
For some, the waiting can be the hardest part, as many students have “dream schools” where they foresee themselves spending the duration of their post-high school education.
Senior Caroline Geddes states, “Applying to college was actually surprisingly easy; however, waiting for decisions to come back has made a lot of fellow seniors super anxious.”
Not only do many seniors stress about decisions, but others scramble to complete their financial aid documentation, which is an equally important part of the process.
Many schools have separate deadlines for the actual application and the financial aid documents, which can include the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), the College Scholarship Services (CSS) Profile, and possibly Institutional Documentation Service (IDOC) signatures.
In addition to filling out financial aid documentation, it is also important to continuously check for any communication sent by a college through email, text, etc. This communication can provide valuable information about any missing documents or information, and most importantly, the application status.
One useful strategy to keep track of these communications and deadlines is through a spreadsheet.
Guidance counselor Ms. Stephanie Cavanna suggests a spreadsheet of all necessary passwords and other crucial information.
It is also important to stay in constant communication with the guidance department about any issues with an application, as they can provide the necessary help and support.
During this scary but exciting time, it is also important to spend intentional time with friends, family, and others, offering a healthy distraction from the stress of pending decisions.
According to US college guide publisher Niche, “The influence [of parents] is both emotional and practical: from helping students narrow down choices to understanding the complexities of financial aid, they provide guidance during what can be an overwhelming experience.”
Finally, although it may seem like time may slow in anticipation, it is important to keep focusing on schoolwork.
Cavanna states, “Continue focusing on your current coursework—senior year grades still matter. Additionally, it is important to maintain involvement in extracurriculars or community activities, and plan for personal organization and independence.”
Overall, the period between submission and decision is not merely downtime; it is a meaningful part of the admissions process. Completing remaining requirements, maintaining strong performance, and tending to personal well-being allow seniors to remain prepared for whatever outcomes may follow.
