Elizabeth Schnell, College Consultant
Navigating the Waiting Game
After all the time you spent researching colleges, writing essays, and applying to a mix of schools—including some you weren’t sure you’d get into—you’re now stuck in the waiting phase. It can feel endless, with so many unpredictable factors affecting the results. As March progresses, it’s tempting to get caught up in speculating about not just who will accept you, but when schools will announce decisions and even what time those emails might pop up.
Shifting Your Focus
Instead of dwelling on things you can’t control, try focusing on what you can do right now. Use this waiting time to get ready for the big decision you will need to make between late March and early May. Those days will seem to fly by, packed with your usual activities, schoolwork, AP prep, and maybe some senior celebrations. Put that fretful energy to work and make the next few weeks count.
Revisiting Your Priorities
Take some time to look back at your reasons for picking certain colleges. Some preferences might have faded in importance while other spring up after a time of germination after you’ve sent in your applications. Make sure you talk with your family, especially about finances, so you’re all on the same page. Develop an updated list that separates true “dealbreakers” from nice-to-have features that are appealing but won’t drive your decision.
Comparing Your Options
Now, stack up the schools you’ve already gotten into against your updated criteria. If you’re still unsure about which one tops your list, see if you’re missing any info and try to fill in those gaps. This way, you’ll get more comfortable with your best current pick and have a point of reference for colleges you’re still waiting on.
Getting Ready for the Final Analysis
For each of those pending schools, ask yourself if you have enough details to order them based on your priorities. If not, figure out what you need to know and how you’ll find it—maybe by doing more research online, talking to students or professors, or visiting the campus. If several seem clustered neck in neck, what new detail could help break the tie? Getting organized now will let you hit the ground running once you know which additional schools offer you admission.
Learning to Live With Uncertainty
Every spring, we support our students as they weigh multiple factors to make their final choices, and it’s always easier for those who started prepping during the wait. Once you receive your results, you will already have the key information and next steps at hand to help you discern the right fit. It’s one of those big life decisions that teaches you something valuable: sometimes you have to make choices without having all the answers. But having as many critical facts as possible before you begin weighing and evaluating them can give you confidence even when you can’t control everything. Encouraging students to give themselves space for this big decision always reminds me of advice I received from a running buddy as I trained for my first long race: “You can’t cram for a marathon.” When things feel out of your hands, something you do have power over is getting your ducks in a row before decision time, to give yourself plenty of time to contemplate and reach a sound choice.
