Managing Anxiety While Waiting for Early Decision/Early Action Releases
The waiting period after submitting Early Decision (ED) or Early Action (EA) applications can be one of the most stressful times for students. After months of hard work, the uncertainty of what comes next often leads to heightened anxiety. It’s important to recognize that this waiting period is completely normal, and there are strategies to help manage the stress.
Understanding the Waiting Period
Once your ED or EA application is submitted, you will typically have to wait until mid-December for a response. For students who are awaiting results, understanding the timeline is important. Most universities will notify applicants through their online portals or via email. Early Decision is binding, meaning if you are accepted, you are committed to attending that school. Early Action, on the other hand, is non-binding, giving you the flexibility to apply to other schools even after receiving a decision. Regardless of the type of application, the stakes often feel high, and managing this pressure is key.
Strategies to Manage Anxiety
1. Stay Engaged in Your Routine: It’s easy to feel paralyzed by the waiting, but staying busy and engaged in your academic and extracurricular activities can help. Continue to focus on your coursework, hobbies, or volunteer work—these activities will keep your mind off the pending decision.
2. Practice Mindfulness: Incorporating mindfulness techniques, such as meditation, yoga, or even deep breathing exercises, can alleviate some of the anxiety. These practices teach you how to stay present in the moment, instead of worrying about the future. Apps like Headspace or Calm offer guided meditations specifically designed to reduce stress and anxiety.
3. Limit Social Media: Social media can often exacerbate feelings of stress, especially if you’re seeing friends or classmates discussing their application results or experiences. It’s important to limit your time on these platforms to avoid unnecessary comparisons or pressure.
4. Prepare for All Possible Outcomes: Mentally preparing yourself for all potential outcomes—acceptance, deferral, or rejection—can help you feel more in control. Remember that a deferral is not a rejection, and it’s common for students to be deferred from their early applications. Understanding the options available to you in case of each scenario will keep you grounded.
5. Focus on What’s Next: After submitting an ED or EA application, it’s easy to feel like your work is done. However, this is an excellent time to continue working on other Regular Decision applications or even preparing for scholarship opportunities. By staying proactive, you maintain a sense of purpose and control during the waiting period.
Navigating the Outcomes
Once you receive your decision, it’s essential to handle each outcome with perspective. If accepted, celebrate your hard work! If deferred or rejected, it’s important to remember that the college admissions process is highly competitive, and this result does not define your abilities or potential. There are many paths to success in college and beyond.
Looking for Support in Your College Application Journey?
At JumpStart Your Future, we offer guidance on managing the emotional and strategic elements of the college application process. Book a session with us today for personalized advice on coping with decision anxiety and preparing for future steps.