By Rowa El-Tohami

1. Start (early). Starting is the hardest part of getting things done. Oftentimes, students are overwhelmed by thoughts of the application process, so they procrastinate on getting started with tasks but this will only lead to work piling up and added stress. Starting early will allow time for sufficient research, planning, peer review and self-care. Senior year is often busy - packed with college applications, rigorous coursework, extracurriculars and social obligations. Getting organized and planning ahead will help you determine exactly how much you have to complete as well as upcoming deadlines so that you can pace out your workload and maximize your chances of success.

2. Search smart. Take time to actually research all the colleges you might be interested in and create a balanced list of safety, target, and reach schools. Even if you can’t visit campuses, most schools have virtual tours on their websites, admissions officers employed to answer your questions, and course catalogues easily available.The research phase is also a good time to communicate with universities for the purpose of authentic inquiry as well as expressing your interest in a college.

3. Stay open. Keep your mind open about which opportunities would suit you best. Someone else's best college choice might not be yours. Remember that even if you do not get into your top choice college, you can thrive anywhere as long as you set your mind to it! Trust your process and know that although rejection can suck, it is an inevitable part of life and can also be a redirection to something better for you.

4. Self-care! Consider adding physical exercise to your routine for those feel-good endorphins; activities such as swimming, yoga, and walking are low-impact but highly stress relieving. Deep breathing and meditation exercises can also help you relax and practice mindfulness by focusing your attention on the present moment instead of being anxious about the future. If you don’t know where to start - try a helpful app like Headspace.

5. Seek Support. Stay connected to family and friends as they will be able to support you by listening and advising. Taking on the burden of this process on your own could lead to feelings of isolation and amplified struggle. By turning to your support network including counselors, therapists, coaches, and loved ones, you can enhance your sense of security, bridge gaps in your knowledge, and increase your confidence levels, leading to better results. Finally, especially as you await college decisions, do not miss out on special moments with family and friends and remember to make the most of your final high school days!

- Hale Education Group