You’re almost there. Your dream life, at your dream school, is just few months away. Although you’ve gotten through most of the hard stuff —making grades, doing extracurriculars and of course the college applications themselves—there are a few things that you can do to use this waiting period rather than getting anxious about the college acceptances.

Yes Seniors, listen up, this is for you!

Don’t Let Up

You’ve finished sending out college apps, and while you should feel relieved, you’re not home free just yet. College offers are usually contingent upon the maintenance of one’s GPA. Getting low grades in your classes could force colleges to change their minds and rescind admissions offers. If you have been offered scholarships, or are planning to apply, there is usually some kind of GPA requirement for your respective school. High school isn’t over just yet, make sure to keep your grades up!

Try Not To Check Your Email So Much

It’s difficult to not check your email every minute to see if you’ve finally heard back from schools. It’s okay to check your email from time to time for updates, but don’t get obsessed over them. You’ll hear back from colleges sooner or later, and you’ll be fine. If you’re having trouble settling down, try to change your perspective. This is but one small step in your long journey, if you are determined and do your best, you’ll do great wherever yo go!

Take AP Tests, Even If You Didn’t Take The Class

Not every school offers AP classes that you’d like to take. While you might not have gotten the opportunity to attend an AP Psychology course at your school, that shouldn’t stop you from attempting the AP exam. You do not need to take an AP course to take the corresponding AP exam, and scoring well on these tests will allow you to complete prerequisites for more advanced courses, saving you valuable time and money. If you’re incredibly interested in Art History, Studio Art, or even Comparative Government and Politics, take these tests. Although school might be over, consider attempting AP exams and getting a head start on college courses, it will serve you well!

Rolling Admissions

If you think that you may be not entirely satisfied with colleges you may get admission in, you may want to explore some schools with rolling admissions. Colleges with rolling admissions evaluate applications as they are received versus waiting to evaluate all applications after a hard deadline. Schools will continue to evaluate applications until they’ve filled all the slots for their incoming class. Rolling admissions schools often have long admission windows, meaning you could still apply after other schools’ regular decision deadlines have passed. To help you with this, take a look at our list of popular schools offering rolling admissions, you might find a gem in there!

It’s A Balancing Act

While GPA and AP exams are important, you must take time out to relax as well. It might seem impossible when all you can think about is the results of your college apps, but it will do wonders for your mental health and overall performance. Try meditation, go exercise, or maybe, pick up a new hobby that you’ve always wanted to try. If all else fails, try unplugging. Cut the cord on emails, news, or any digital device; it’s difficult to destress when the very cause is in your pocket or purse. Finding small ways to relieve stress can give you a much-needed break from the stressors of college apps, and life.

Pat yourself on the back, you’ve done a great job navigating this journey. More than anything else, make sure to enjoy your time before college. Hangout with friends who will be going their own paths soon, visit all the tourists attractions you’ve never bothered to go to but are close to home, and have your fill of your favorite foods – you will miss these when you are away.

Get ready for your new life abroad!

Rolling Admissions List

Top 40 Schools With Rolling Admissions