If you spend your days waiting for a response from the school of your dreams, you’re not alone. Many students have their hearts set on one specific community and are anxiously awaiting an admission package. To help you navigate this period, we’ve gathered a few tips to keep you moving forward while you await the news of what next year holds in store.
While the waiting game struggle is real, a few simple strategies can help you stay calm and continue to demonstrate interest in your desired future school.
Take a deep breath; everything will fall into place. This is often difficult advice to follow, but lying awake every night can negatively impact your health, your second-semester grades, and even your social life. Instead, try meditation or yoga, channel your anxious energy onto the athletic field, hit the gym, or volunteer. Turning those nerves into a productive or fun activity is a great way to pass the time.
It is perfectly okay to reach out to your admission counselor with lingering questions or to ensure all of your materials have been received, but try to avoid emailing daily! This rule also applies to parents; while it is understandable that you want the best for your child, let the students navigate this process. Admission officers prefer to hear from the student directly (except regarding financial aid), as this demonstrates maturity and genuine interest.
A thank you email to your admission officer or any teachers or coaches you met during your campus tour is a great gesture. An old-fashioned, handwritten card is even better, as it shows an extra level of effort. Taking the time to do this adds "demonstrated interest" to your admission file and leaves a lasting positive impression.
Your applications are in and you have worked hard all fall—it might feel like you deserve a semester off. However, it is vital to keep your work ethic high. The time between submitting your application and receiving an acceptance is a critical period for your grades. If you end up on a waitlist, your second-semester performance could be the deciding factor. Schools like Bancroft School do review your final grades and maintain the right to rescind an offer of admission if a student falls significantly off track.
It’s important to hope for the best, but not everyone gains admission to their first-choice school. Ideally, your list of schools includes a range of options that are a good match for who you are and will support your academic growth. Be proactive and find something to love about each school you applied to. Try writing out a list of "pros" for attending each institution; save the "cons" for later when you are actually deciding between your acceptances.
While you are anxious to move on and expand your horizons, stop and recognize how far you have already come. Your accomplishments are something to be proud of. You have worked hard to gain the tools necessary to succeed in a new, more challenging environment. Stand out in your current classes, truly engage in discussions, and value the friendships you have made. Life is about growth—be thankful for what you have learned so far and stay excited for the challenges that lie ahead.