The months I spent waiting for my regular decision college results were among the most stressful of my life. I would check my email or portal whenever my phone buzzed, only to be met with spam or a reminder to "don't miss your tuition deadline." My future seemed to be stuck in a small inbox, and there was nothing I could do to make it move more quickly. In hindsight, I see that this waiting month was a test of patience, perspective, and personal development rather than merely anxiety.
Image Credit: Surface from Unsplash
Let us slide into your dms 🥰
Get notified of top trending articles like this one every week! (we won't spam you)Keep Busy, Even When It Feels Hard
I tried to "wait it out" at first by endlessly scrolling through social media, but that just made the panic worse. I came to the realization that I needed to occupy my time with worthwhile endeavors. For me, that meant advocating for my community by registering more than 400+ high school students to vote, a cause I was deeply committed to. Additionally, I helped children with developmental disabilities with reading and other activities at a nearby center.
Not only did these projects divert my attention, but they also served as a reminder that my life wasn't on hold while I awaited an email. No college acceptance could provide me with the experiences, influence, and sense of utility that I was experiencing. This could mean anything from beginning a creative project to helping a friend with a difficult task to joining a virtual club that tests your abilities.
Image Credit: Hannah Busing from Unsplash
Take the Quiz: Which US Boarding School fits you best?
Find out where you should spend your high school career
Celebrate What You’ve Already Accomplished
I was worried all the time: "Did I do enough?" "Was my essay sufficiently compelling?" "Did I overlook something?" I created a win list to counter that. I listed all of my accomplishments on paper, including serving as president of my civics club, organizing voter registration drives, putting in hundreds of hours of volunteer work, and even more modest personal triumphs like mastering a difficult school assignment or learning new recipes.
Image Credit: Jakub Żerdzicki from Unsplash
Seeing it all laid out reminded me that one letter doesn’t define my worth.
Talk to People Who Understand
Having conversations with those who had experienced this waiting game was one of my best decisions. My older cousin told me that the anxiety was worse than the actual decision when I called her. She had been waiting months for her regular decision results. The portal isn't the last word, according to a friend who had also been deferred; colleges frequently look beyond applications.
After hearing these accounts, I came to understand that experiencing anxiety is quite common. My friend's statement that she had "staged an intervention" for herself while waiting by giving herself chocolate and her favorite TV show also made me laugh. Talking about it informally or even humorously can sometimes help you feel less stressed.
Let Yourself Feel, But Don’t Dwell
Not only is waiting for results stressful, but it's also emotional. Every day, I set aside 10 to 15 minutes to completely experience my anxiety. I would sit down with my journal and write down my fears in order to release my thoughts. But after that, I made myself take a break and do things like go for a walk, make dinner, or text a friend about something totally unrelated.
Channel Anxiety Into Something Productive
Additionally, I found that the month felt purposeful when I channeled my anxious energy into action. I looked into the programs, clubs, and residence halls offered by the colleges to which I applied. I mapped out what my life might look like at each school on a vision board. I even worked on skills like coding and public speaking that I wanted to take with me.
This is an excellent way for anyone awaiting regular decision results to feel in charge. Even if you haven't decided on a school yet, you can still get ready for any opportunities that may present themselves. Instead of being a pause in your life, it makes the waiting period seem like a step toward your future.
Image Credit: Windows from Unsplash
Perspective Changes Everything
My experience waiting for my results taught me that college admissions are not the best indicators of a person's character. No acceptance letter ever determined my value. During the month of waiting, I learned that I could be both resilient and productive.
Final Thoughts
While waiting for regular decision results can be stressful and uncomfortable, it also presents an opportunity to discover, develop, and celebrate who you are. Make sure to surround yourself with people who support you, small victories, and projects. Feeling nervous is normal, but don't let fear stop you. No matter what happens, you'll know that the waiting time was worthwhile because it helped you get ready for the next phase of your life.
You’ve done the hard work, and that’s worth more than any email. Now, it’s just about waiting—and making the most of it!
