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Applying to College or Graduate School the Stress-Free Way

Details: Category: Student Beat and Scholarships; Published on Thursday, 19 January 2023 14:46; Written by Amber Ramsey

Applying for college or graduate school can be a stressful process, but there are some easy steps you can take to reduce that stress. In this article, The Neighborhood News Online provides tips on how to set realistic goals, as well as the tools you can use to make your application submission a stress-free one.

Set Realistic Goals and Expectations

Setting realistic goals and expectations is the foundation for reducing stress when applying to college or graduate school. Taking the time to research different educational institutions allows you to lay out options and alternative plans in case your top choices don't work out.

From there, it's important to create a timeline that accommodates ample time for decision-making. Starting the process early lets you approach deadlines with a realistic keel instead of rushing your decisions or settling for less-than-ideal outcomes. Allowing yourself to set realistic goals and expectations relieves unnecessary pressure while allowing you to achieve an outcome that best reflects your abilities.

Leverage Online Resources for Research
Exploring resources available online to learn more about different college or university programs can be incredibly helpful in determining the best school or program for your future education goals. With these resources, you can gain an understanding of what criteria educational institutions take into account when considering candidates for admission to their programs — something invaluable for reducing stress in the application process. As such, taking the time to research is an essential step to reduce stress as you apply for college or graduate school.

Organize Your Documents With Online Tools
Keeping track of all your admissions documents can be a huge task, but with the help of PDF tools, organizing these important files can be a breeze. Use free online tools to organize multiple documents within a single PDF file. Conversely, you can split large PDF documents into smaller ones.

Not only do the right tools help reduce stress when it comes to keeping track of which document goes where and when, but it also expedites the process of submitting multiple college or graduate school applications. By organizing your admission documents this way, you have one less thing to worry about.

Consider How You Can Enhance Your Application
With college and graduate school applications becoming increasingly competitive, you might find yourself feeling overwhelmed by the sheer number of required documents and tests. However, to give yourself an extra edge, consider pursuing enriching activities or certifications that will enhance your application.

For instance, volunteer work in a field related to your desired major or developing and honing special skills will help you stand out from the crowd. These types of experiences also look fantastic on admissions portfolios which gives you even more of an advantage.

Create a Customized CV for Each Application
Using a CV builder to create a customized CV to impress admissions officers can be incredibly beneficial when applying for college or graduate school. A tailored resume will showcase your unique experiences and qualifications, which adds value to your application and helps you stand out from other candidates. Moreover, creating a personalized resume offers insight into the student's understanding of what is specifically required for success in their chosen program or field.

Don’t Rush the Process
Applying for college or graduate school can increase your stress and anxiety. To reduce these, it's important to avoid rushing through the process. Don't wait until the last minute to submit your applications or write your essays. Instead, take your time and don't rush, so you can do the best possible job.

If you feel overwhelmed or are having trouble getting organized, don't hesitate to get assistance. Don’t wait until it's too late. Seek help from teachers, counselors, or advisors if needed so that you have enough time to get thoughtful feedback before submitting your applications. By taking your time and not rushing through the process, applying for college will become less frightening and more manageable.

Don’t Forget Self-Care
With so much to consider, self-care can easily fall by the wayside as you find yourself engulfed in essays, recommendations, and test scores. In an overwhelming time such as this, it is important to prioritize self-care to keep calm while making big decisions.

To reduce stress, take full advantage of self-care activities like reading a book for pleasure, taking a walk in the fresh air, or simply talking with your loved ones. Allowing yourself moments of respite will give your mind the clarity and space it needs for productive decision-making about your future education.

Creating a serene, organized atmosphere in your home can also be just the thing to help you get into 'application mode.' Taking time each week for decluttering and tidying up is not only beneficial for making space in both heart and mind as you prepare applications, but it also provides much-needed moments of peace throughout this hectic period. When stress levels rise during application season, taking an afternoon to ensure that living spaces are neat lets you start each day feeling centered — something we could all use more of.

Though the process of getting into college or graduate school can be stressful, there are several things you can do to reduce your stress levels. Setting realistic goals and expectations, not rushing, staying on top of your documents, and making time for self-care will all help make the process more manageable, to name just a few. By following these simple tips, you can ease some of the stress of applying for college or graduate school.

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