Once you pressed that submit button you felt like the stress and the pressure was over, right?  But, in reality, that’s where the stress begins. Maybe not at first, but day by day and week by week you have your eye on the calendar for the day that decisions are released.  But before you pull your hair out, take a look at these suggestions for keeping stress under control while you await your decision.

1. At all costs, do not make a countdown.
All countdowns do is increase the excitement you have about finding out, and when it comes to major things in life like a college decision, this excitement is usually unhealthy.  The only results of counting down are increased nervousness and obsessing about the deadline.

2. Remember, there’s nothing you can do.
After confirming the college of your choice has received your entire application, there’s nothing you can do. It’s in the hands of the admissions committees and you shouldn’t spend time worrying about things you can’t change.  Focus on present schoolwork instead.

3. Ignore your “Why didn’t I receive my decision yet?” thoughts.
Some colleges release decisions earlier than others, some do it on a rolling basis, and still others let athletes and other special groups know before releasing the bulk of their decisions.  Don’t think that just because you haven’t received a decision yet, it means you will be receiving bad news.

4. Avoid the college talk with friends and relatives wherever possible.
Talking about it is only going to make you more anxious, stressed, and more of an emotional wreck.  When your relatives ask if you know where you are going/want to go to college, simply answer, “I don’t know yet,” and change the subject to your present schoolwork, a piece of breaking news, or Aunt Jill’s new job.

 5. Hope for the best; prepare for the worst.
Although you’re really hoping and praying to get into that dream school, don’t put all your eggs in one basket.  Do those other applications you’ve been putting off while hoping you’ll get into the college of your choice and be finished.  You’ll be sorry if you spend your New Year’s Eve on the computer writing essays.