For students, waiting for Early Action (EA) and Early Decision (ED) college admission notifications is like watching a pot of water, expecting it to boil. The anticipation can be overwhelming, but as school counselors, you can help them manage this nail-biting phase of the college application process.
Consider these strategies to ease EA and ED stress and keep your students on the right track:
- Diversify the College List: Encourage students to have a balanced mix of colleges on their list, including a mix of safety, match, and reach schools. Having a range of options can alleviate the pressure associated with EA and ED outcomes.
- Focus on Attainable Goals: Emphasize the importance of setting realistic expectations. While ED can offer an advantage, it’s crucial to understand that it’s a binding commitment. Ensure students understand the implications and encourage them to apply EA or RD to other institutions as well.
- Coping Strategies: Share stress management techniques with your students. Encourage mindfulness, physical activity, and seeking support from friends, family, or counselors to help them stay grounded during the waiting period.
- Plan for the Future: Discuss alternative plans, such as creating a list of RD schools to apply to if the EA or ED application doesn’t yield the desired results. This way, students can maintain their momentum.
- Maintain Positivity: Remind students that college admission outcomes do not define their worth or potential. Success comes in many forms, and a rejection or deferral is just a momentary setback.
Your role as a school counselor is essential in guiding students through the emotional rollercoaster of college admissions. By providing support, information, and a sense of perspective, you can help your students navigate this waiting game with grace and resilience. They’ll emerge from this phase ready to make informed decisions about their college future.