The college application process is widely recognized as a time of immense stress for students. As a sophomore at Rutgers University–New Brunswick, I vividly recall the overwhelming pressure I faced during my own college application journey. Balancing academic commitments, extracurricular activities, and personal life while preparing applications proved to be a formidable challenge. Nonetheless, armed with the right mindset and effective stress management strategies, you can confidently embark on this path and alleviate stress. In this blog post, I will share my personal encounter with college applications and the successful tactics I employed to overcome stress.

1. Start Early:
I know it might sound repetitive, but starting early is crucial. Although you may have heard this advice countless times, it holds great wisdom. The earlier you begin your applications, the less overwhelming the deadlines will seem. By initiating the process ahead of time and making gradual progress (taking small steps), you can make the deadlines appear less intimidating. Allocating a dedicated time frame each day or every other day, for about an hour, specifically for college applications, will also ensure steady progress.

2. Shortlist Colleges:
Creating a shortlist of colleges as soon as possible is important to stay organized and on top of deadlines and important dates. Prioritize your choices based on factors such as location, programs, financial aid, and campus culture. Categorize your choices into three categories: Dream, Reach, and Safety. Research different colleges and universities to find the ones that align with your goals, interests, and academic performance. By diversifying your options, you’ll increase your chances of success.
PPRO EED can assist you with this process as well. Rest assured, the PPRO EED team has years of experience and expertise, enabling them to recommend the best colleges for you and the course you’re applying to.

3. Create a Timeline and Plan:
Develop a clear timeline and plan for each stage of the application process. For example, start writing your college essay in the early stages, allowing ample time for revisions and edits and working on supplementary essays.

4. Prioritize Self-Care:
Taking care of your physical and mental well-being is crucial during this stressful period. Make self-care a priority by maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Engage in regular exercise, consume nutritious meals, and ensure you get enough sleep. Establish a daily routine that includes breaks and relaxation activities such as meditation, yoga, or engaging in hobbies you enjoy. Taking time for yourself will recharge your energy and improve your focus.

5. Effective Time Management:
Effective time management is key to reducing stress and meeting deadlines. Prioritize tasks based on their importance and urgency. Break them down into smaller, actionable steps and allocate specific time slots for each task. Avoid multitasking, as it can decrease productivity and increase stress.

6. Connect with PPRO EED!
Connecting with PPRO EED has been a life-changing decision for me, opening doors to many significant opportunities. When I initially reached out to Aditti Ma’am, my main goal was to explore suitable university options. At that time, as a 15-year-old named Nandini, I had limited knowledge of which countries and courses would align with my aspirations. Fortunately, the PPRO EED team, with their 15 years of extensive experience, and Aditti Ma’am, with her remarkable 23-year career in education counseling, provided invaluable guidance in narrowing down my choices, including advice on whether to take the SAT or ACT.
PPRO EED offers comprehensive support, ranging from advice on suitable countries to guiding me toward the most fitting courses and campuses that match my personality. They helped me identify the ideal colleges for my chosen program and provided valuable insights on securing scholarships. Moreover, they provided assistance with essay writing and visa applications. With PPRO EED, you can trust that all these crucial aspects are expertly handled.

Remember that college applications are just one part of your life’s journey. Avoid fixating on the outcome and maintain a healthy perspective. Understand that acceptance or rejection from a particular institution does not define your worth or future success.

The college application process can be demanding, but by implementing these coping strategies, you can effectively manage stress and increase your chances of success. Remember to start early, seek support, practice self-care, manage your time effectively, utilize available resources, and maintain a healthy perspective. Embrace this transformative experience as an opportunity for growth, self-discovery, and building resilience.

Let the chips fall where they may!

Credit:

This blog has been contributed by Nandini Sachdeva, an alumna of PPRO EED and now a student at Rutgers University-New Brunswick, New Jersey.