The post-application season can seem to drag on for many, however, there are
many things you can be doing to not only maximize your potential, but also help
ease the passage of time as you're anxiously waiting for those final admission
decisions. For the majority of schools, most decisions are made by the January or
February benchmark. For elite schools, it’s not uncommon to be left waiting until
after Spring Break to learn about your admissions decision. Yikes. Don’t worry
though; there is plenty for you to do to pass the time.
- Double Check Your Required Documents: Check your college's web
portal and make sure they have all your required documents; it would be
rather unfortunate to find your decision delayed for lack of inaction on
your part. Some may ask for a mid-year grade report, others may have
missed a waiver or a forgotten recommendation letter. If you find such
errors, make sure to shore these up and quickly complete them.
- Financial Aid: Make sure you've started this process by now if you
haven't already. With the new FSA ID and change in eligible tax return
data, many colleges are awarding funds sooner and you'll want to make
sure you receive all the financial support that you can.
- Make your Case: Visit your schools of choice whether through an
individual visit or one coordinated by the college and speak to your
regional admission counselor. Help them get to know you, your interests
and your hopes and dreams. If you believe you may be on the outside
looking in, take a visit and help them understand why you deserve to be
there.
- Scholarship Money: Take the time to fill the void by completing
scholarship applications. Every cent counts, and there are always
applications floating around. You will be glad you did this later.
- Kill the Stress: Once you've done all you can, put your mind at ease that
it is now in the hands of the admission counselors and that no amount of
worrying is going to change that. In the end, you'll be much happier and
satisfied with either decision knowing you gave your best effort.