Reduce Stress: Strategies for Applying to College or Graduate School and Staying Organised

Applying to university in any capacity can be a stressful time in your life. The countless applications, deadlines, and essays can become overwhelming. However, there are strategies you can implement to reduce stress and stay organised throughout the process. Here are some tips from Inclusive Solutions to help you get started. 

Visit Campuses or Attend Virtual Tours

Visiting campuses or attending virtual tours is an excellent way to learn more about schools and programs. It can help you determine if the school is the right fit for you and give you a better understanding of what the program entails. You’ll also have the opportunity to meet with faculty members, current students, and admission representatives, which can provide valuable insights into the application process.

Brainstorm Essay Ideas

Before beginning the writing process, create a list of essay prompts and brainstorm ideas. This will help you stay focused and organised while writing your essays. Make sure to read the essay prompts carefully and understand what the admissions committee is looking for. Brainstorming ideas will help you develop a unique perspective on the topic and show your personality.

Keep Track of Your Accomplishments

It’s crucial to keep a record of your extracurricular activities, academic achievements, and volunteer work. This can help you remember everything you’ve accomplished and ensure that you don’t forget any vital information when filling out applications. It’s also a great way to showcase your accomplishments and demonstrate your dedication and commitment to your interests.

Develop a System for Tracking Deadlines and Fees

Tracking application fees and submission dates is crucial to staying organised during the application process. Create a spreadsheet or use a calendar app to track deadlines and fees. It’s essential to stay aware of the due dates to avoid late submissions and missed opportunities.

Prioritise Self-Care and Health

It’s easy to get caught up in the stress of applying to colleges or graduate schools and forget to take care of yourself. Prioritising self-care and health is crucial to staying focused and motivated throughout the process. Take breaks, exercise, and make sure you’re eating healthy snacks and avoiding sugary options. Taking care of your physical and mental health will help you stay on track and reduce stress.

Create a List of Application Requirements

Each school has different application requirements, so it’s essential to make a list of everything you need to submit for each school. This may include transcripts, test scores, essays, and letters of recommendation. Keep this list organised and easily accessible to ensure that you don’t forget anything when submitting applications.

Utilize PDFs

When applying to colleges or graduate schools, it’s essential to keep track of all your application documents. A great way to stay organised is to convert each document to PDF. This format makes it easier to manage and track multiple applications, and PDFs maintain formatting and accessibility across any device. When managing your files, you may need to adjust your applications to remove certain pages that aren’t relevant. If this happens, turn to free online tools so you can delete certain PDF pages. By simply dragging and dropping your file into the tool, you can delete what you need to and save it as a new file. 

Applying to colleges or graduate schools can be a stressful time in your life. However, implementing strategies like tracking deadlines, saving your documents as PDFs, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle can help you stay organised and reduce stress throughout the process. 

For 18 years, Inclusive Solutions has offered a range of inspiring inclusion-oriented services including casework, person-centred planning, innovative training and community building.