You submitted your college applications — congratulations! Now comes the waiting.
For some, this is a period you forget about until that decision email pops up. For others, it’s a season of constant overthinking and refreshing your inbox. No matter what you’re feeling, here are five things you can do while waiting for your college decisions.
1. Establish a hobby
Having a hobby can help ease anxiety during this waiting period. It gives you something to look forward to — something that isn’t tied to outcomes or decisions.
It doesn’t have to be something brand new. You probably already have a hobby that you set aside while completing applications. Now is the perfect time to get back into it.
Your hobby shouldn’t feel like a task. It should feel like an emotional or creative outlet — something that brings color back into your day. As my friend once said, “Know the difference between a hobby and a habit.” A hobby is something you intentionally make time for because you want to do it.
This could be sewing, reading, gaming, baking, painting — anything that feels energizing rather than draining.
2. Enjoy your last year in high school
Senior year truly does fly by.
This is often the last time you and your friends will all be in the same place before heading to different colleges and universities across the country — or even the world. That shift can feel emotional, but it can also be meaningful. Make plans. Take photos. Create traditions. Some of my friends scrapbooked our senior year. I took tons of photos and fully immersed myself in the moment. Don’t rush through this season just because you’re focused on what comes next. Be present in what’s happening now.
3. Spend time with family
While friends are important, don’t forget about your family. College often means more independence — and sometimes more distance. Before I graduated, I spent so much time with friends that I didn’t realize how much my family would miss me until the summer before I left. Something as simple as watching a movie together, helping cook dinner, or going on a spontaneous weekend outing can create lasting memories. And if you have pets who won’t be joining you on your college journey — spend time with them too. I’ll never forget coming home from college and seeing how excited my dog was to see me. These small moments help you stay grounded and present instead of constantly worrying about the future.
4. Build habits that prepare you for college and summer
Sometimes the best way to alleviate stress while waiting for decisions is to prepare for whatever comes next. Even if you do not know where you will be attending yet, you can begin building habits that will support you in college. This could mean planning what you want to do over the summer, applying for jobs or internships, or even creating simple budgeting goals to prepare for travel and college expenses. I had a friend who made summer budgeting goals so she could feel more prepared no matter where she ended up. In my case, I focused on improving my study habits and time management skills. I started using a planner consistently, prioritized assignments based on importance, and worked on breaking my procrastination habits by starting tasks earlier and breaking larger assignments into smaller pieces. These small changes made a huge difference once I entered college.
I also want to emphasize something important: you still need to finish high school strong. I once asked an admissions counselor if I still needed to try after getting accepted, and the answer was a clear yes. Senioritis is real, but completing your final year to the best of your ability matters. Even though you may not know where you are going yet, you do know that you are going somewhere. Focusing on finishing well allows you to stay present instead of constantly worrying about what comes next.
5. Look into your major for schools
While you are waiting, take time to explore the majors you are interested in and the opportunities different colleges offer within those fields. Look at the required courses and think about whether they align with your interests and long-term goals. Sometimes the path to your dream career includes classes you may not have expected, and understanding that early can help shape how you see your academic journey. It can also be helpful to research internships, research opportunities, study abroad programs, or campus resources connected to your potential major.
Looking into these opportunities ahead of time helped me feel more prepared and aware once I started college. Instead of waiting to discover what was available, I was already familiar with the resources and could take initiative. Even while you wait for decisions, you can begin envisioning yourself in that next chapter and preparing to make the most of it.
Final Thoughts
Waiting for college decisions can feel overwhelming, especially when so much of your future feels uncertain. It is easy to refresh your email, replay your application in your mind, or compare yourself to others during this time. But this season is still part of your journey. Instead of letting the waiting consume you, try to stay present in the life you are currently living. Invest in your friendships, spend time with family, build habits that will support you in college, and explore your interests more deeply. No matter where you end up, you are moving forward into a new chapter. Trust that you have done your best, and allow yourself to enjoy this moment before the next one begins.