After spending so much time actively working on the college process, the waiting can feel harder than the applications themselves.
For months, seniors have been working toward one thing: submitting their college applications.
They've had essays to write, activities to perfect, college lists to finalize, recommendations to request, and deadlines to meet. Then, finally, they hit submit.
And suddenly, there isn’t nearly as much to do.
For many students and parents, that can be surprisingly difficult. After spending so much time actively working on the college process, the waiting can feel harder than the applications themselves.
Make Sure Everything Is Complete
There is still one important job after hitting submit: SET UP COLLEGE PORTALS!
Colleges typically provide students with access to a portal where they can confirm that required materials have been received and eventually view their admission decision. Students should make sure transcripts, recommendations, test scores (if required or submitted), and any other requested materials are showing as received.
If something is missing, don’t panic. Give materials time to process and then follow the college’s instructions if something still hasn’t appeared.
Resist the Urge to Second-Guess
This is where I see students and parents struggle.
Should I have changed that essay? Should I have applied Early Decision somewhere else? Should I have submitted my test score? Should we have added one more school?
At some point, you have to trust the work you've already done.
A thoughtful college process does not guarantee a particular admission decision. Too many factors are involved, particularly at highly selective colleges.
What you can control is putting together the strongest and most authentic application possible. Once you submit it, much of the process is no longer in your hands.
Keep Senior Year in Perspective
College applications are important, but they should not consume an entire senior year.
Students still need to keep their grades strong, but they should also enjoy this time. Go to the football game. Spend time with friends. Participate in the activities you have loved throughout high school. Be present for the moments that inevitably come with senior year.
There will be plenty of time to think about college once decisions arrive.
Decisions Will Come at Different Times
One of the hardest parts of waiting is watching other students start receiving decisions.
Some colleges release decisions quickly. Others take months. One student may have an acceptance in hand while another is still waiting to hear from every school on their list.
Just as I tell families not to compare college lists or application timelines, try not to compare decision timelines either.
Someone else receiving an acceptance does not change your student’s application or their opportunities.
The Bottom Line
Once the applications are submitted and the portals are complete, there comes a point when you have done what you can do.
That can be uncomfortable in a process where we spend so much time planning, preparing, and trying to make the right decisions.
But there is also something freeing about it.
Trust the work that went into the applications. Keep doing well in school. Enjoy senior year. And focus on what you can control.
The decisions will come.
