Support Your Wellbeing During College Application Season

Written by Amanda, University of Pennsylvania

The college application season can be a stressful time for students. With deadlines, essays, and exams, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. However, maintaining your wellbeing is crucial during this period. The last thing you want to do is burn yourself out during a process that takes over half a year. Here are some strategies to help you stay balanced and healthy while navigating the college application process.

Strategies

Time Management

1. Create a Schedule. Break down the application process into manageable tasks and set deadlines for each. As you know your management techniques, opt in to use a planner or digital calendar to keep track of important dates and tasks. Jumping straight into the application may not always be the best choice. Always start your application processes with writing down deadlines for each college you’re applying to.

2. Prioritize Tasks. Focus on high-priority tasks first, such as early deadlines for applications and essays. Avoid procrastination by setting small, achievable goals. If you are able, please do not set 1 day for 1 entire application. Give yourself attainable tasks, like outlining an essay one day and doing resume work another, to sustain the process in a productive way.

Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle

1. Regular Exercise. If you’re able, engage in physical activities you enjoy, whether it’s jogging, yoga, or playing a sport. Exercise is known to reduce stress and improve your mood. Participate in weekly yoga classes, find a running buddy, or even go on a 10-minute walk when you start to feel overwhelmed. Getting your body up and moving makes all the difference in times of stress.

2. Balanced Diet. Eat nutritious meals to keep your energy levels up. Though it feels mandatory in times of stress, try to avoid excessive caffeine and sugary snacks that can lead to energy crashes. Fuel your body so your mind can thank you.

Adequate Sleep

Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep each night. Establish a regular sleep routine to ensure you’re well-rested. IMPORTANT: DO NOT PULL AN ALL-NIGHTER WORKING ON COLLEGE APPLICATIONS. No matter how much energy you think you have or if you’ve heard other people do this, pulling an all-nighter will absolutely deteriorate your wellbeing, maybe not in the moment, but eventually down the road.

1. Take! Breaks! Allow yourself short breaks during application work to relax and recharge. Engage in activities that help you unwind, such as reading a book, listening to music, or spending time in nature. Your breaks can last as little or as long as you want.

2. Seek Support. Leaning on the people you trust the most is important during times of stress and uncertainty. Share your feelings and concerns with friends, family, or a school counselor. If you’re able, seek out a third-party person like, a therapist, to receive outside advice and comfort. Sometimes, just talking about your stress can make it more manageable.

Stay Organized

1. Keep Important Documents Handy. Maintain a folder (physical or digital) with all

   necessary documents like transcripts, letters of recommendation, and personal

   statements for each college. Having everything in one place reduces last-minute panic.

2. Track Your Progress. Regularly update a checklist of tasks you’ve completed and

   what’s still pending on a digital or physical sheet. While you’re checking off tasks, find time to celebrate small achievements can boost your morale and motivation.

Maintain Perspective

Focus on What You Can Control. Concentrate on completing your applications to the best of your ability. Understand that some factors, like acceptance rates, are beyond your control. Your job is to put your best foot forward by showing off all of your incredible achievements and passions, and that alone is your superpower during this process.

Keep a Positive Attitude. Don’t Keep a Positive Attitude. Feel it ALL.

Feel your feelings through. If you’re feeling sad and discouraged, seep into it. Ask yourself questions and get curious about where your headspace is at. Sometimes, relieving yourself of stress and sadness can be a path forward to getting yourself back on the positive track. With that, remind yourself that there are many paths to success. Stay open to different possibilities and outcomes. Feel what you’re feeling in the moment rather than wondering what you’re going to feel in the future. Stay present and stay true to yourself.

Don’t Compare Yourself to Others

Everyone’s journey is unique, and comparing yourself to peers can add unnecessary stress. Focus on your own strengths and accomplishments. In more cases than not, the “others” you’re comparing yourself too might be feeling the same way you are. Find ways to comfort one another in the process rather than seeing them as competition. Having that kind of support on your side goes a long way.

Conclusion

Supporting your wellbeing during the college application season is essential for managing stress and staying healthy. By practicing good time management, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, seeking support, and keeping things in perspective, you can navigate this challenging time more effectively. Remember, the goal is to put your best foot forward in your applications while also taking care of yourself.