How to Stay Grounded During College Admissions Season

By Liz Jackson

December is a common time for colleges to start sending admissions decisions to applicants. While we always hope for the best, disappointment is sometimes part of the college application process. Whether you and your student are just beginning your college search or in the throes of decision time, these tips will help you maintain the best possible mindset in a process that often includes a lot of ups and downs.

1. Decisions Aren’t Personal—Even Though They Feel Like They Are!

It's common for high school seniors to think admissions committees are basing their decisions on whether students are "worthy" enough to attend the college or university. But the reality is that colleges consider many factors beyond a student's application when determining admissions. They want to admit students from a variety of backgrounds and locations, who want to study a variety of majors, and who will fill their athletics teams and student organizations. 

All of these factors are outside of your control, and having nothing to do with you personally. If you get disappointing news, remember that the decision isn't personal and is not a judgment of your qualifications. While disappointment, sadness, and anger are all valid reactions to a deny decision, try to process those emotions and move towards resilience. Almost everyone has experienced meaningful rejection at some point, and often it is one of the most powerful growth opportunities they have had.

2. Use Data—Not Emotions—to Drive Your College List

Even though the college admissions process can seem like an emotional one, it is incredibly helpful to make use of the data to which you have access. Resources like College Kickstart and Naviance can give you a good picture of your likelihood of admission at most colleges, and there are a plethora of resources you can use to learn more about colleges’ campus culture, academic programs, student life, and career advising opportunities. Don’t base your choices solely on rankings or “prestige,” and try not to let the opinions or choices of others influence your own college list. Remember to focus on where you’ll thrive. This approach will help you make more thoughtful, grounded decisions and avoid unnecessary stress when you’re faced with tough choices.

3. College Admissions Isn’t the End Goal of Your Education

Getting admitted to college and deciding where to go are important steps, but they are not the ultimate goal of your education. The real value lies in the experiences, knowledge, and personal growth you experience in high school, college, and beyond. It can be helpful to think about what qualities you want to have as an adult. Maybe you want to be someone who has close connections with others, who can communicate effectively, and who is seen as a leader. Notice that the things you hope to be aren’t defined by any particular college. And in some cases, you will need to pursue education beyond an undergraduate degree to become who you want to be. Therefore, it’s helpful to think about college as one element of your education, but not the final prize to which your educational journey leads. Keep your focus on the bigger picture: your education is a lifelong process, and college is just one chapter of that story.

4. See This Process as an Opportunity for Independence and Growth

The college admission process is an opportunity for you to take ownership of your future. For most high school students, deciding on a college list is the first time they have had a choice in the type of educational environment they attend. So choosing your colleges and completing the applications is a big step! The decisions you make—from the schools you apply to, to the essays you write, to how you manage deadlines—are all part of a larger journey toward independence. This is a time to learn how to advocate for yourself, manage your time, and make thoughtful decisions about your next steps. These skills will serve you far beyond the admissions process and into your adult life.

By keeping these ideas in mind, you can approach the college admissions process with a healthy, balanced mindset. Remember, where you go to college is just one part of your larger journey, and who you become along the way is what truly matters. Stay focused on growth, embrace independence, and trust that your path will unfold in ways you may not yet even imagine.

About Liz Jackson

Liz Jackson serves as the director of College Guidance at University School of Milwaukee. She has more than 15 years of experience helping students and families find the right college. With experience in counseling, higher education research, and school leadership, Liz enjoys getting to know students and matching their interests to the unique offerings of each college.