The Juggling Game
Some people compare their lives to a circus; the metaphor is more than appropriate for most of us. We all juggle like the clowns—that is we juggle relationships, which are much harder to juggle. For the seniors, it is perhaps the worst as pressure, stress, and tension build up during the college application process. I cannot offer a solution per se but these are a few tips to help deal with all the relationships during the stressful period of college applications.
Start Early
I realize that perhaps the last thing a senior wants to do during the summer is work but the earlier the work is done, the less stress once the school year starts. So start researching those colleges you dream about and look into what material is needed for the applications. Think about what you want the colleges to know based on your essays. Write a list of words that describe you and who you want to be, convey your personality through your essays. It’s never too early to start. Also if there are any colleges nearby, go for a visit and get a glimpse of what college life will be.
Draw the Lines
Senior year, despite its reputation of being full of parties and celebrations, is not the year to screw up. Keep yourself on task by making a list of the things you need to do based on priority. Look at this list often and do not stray. Even more importantly, you need to set down some lines for all your relationships. For friends, tell them that there will be time to celebrate after so for the first semester, concentrate on studies and applications. If you are in a relationship, you need to make it clear what your priorities are to the other half. If both of you are seniors, consider making a pact of not discussing applications since this topic tends to become explosive. If the other half is lower in grade, then definitely make the pact that when you two are spending time together, college is not a suitable topic. No one likes to be reminded of the imminent end. Decisions about what to do should be made after each person decides where they will be going. And keep in mind, long distance relationships can work, though it may take a lot of effort.
Lastly sit down with your parents and talk to them. You will need their help for the financial parts unless you are an independent. Parents handle the college application process differently ranging from indifference to hovering. My suggestion for every kind of parent is for you to make a list of what they need to do, especially in regards to financial information and politely ask them to focus on their tasks and leave you to your tasks. Set up a few check up times through out the upcoming months where you and your parents sit down to discuss how the applications are coming along. This way your parents will be involved and help you keep on track and at the same time, they will not have the opportunity to hover around you constantly.
Do Not Proceed
With all the things one can do, there are plenty that one shouldn’t do. First up is procrastination. College is to prepare for the rest of your life; therefore you do not want to screw up on your applications. Second thing not to do is to try and achieve perfection. Without being cynical but merely truthful, perfection doesn’t exist simply because there is no one universal standard in this world. Don’t waste time or energy or emotion trying to do something that can’t be done. Do the best but don’t shoot for perfection. Thirdly, don’t start any new romantic relationships, especially not during the first semester. There’s simply too much else going on that you don’t need the added pressure of trying to make a new relationship work. This is spoken from experience. The end of the year will loom too large in the relationship. And lastly keep the big picture in mind. There are many paths in life, not getting into your dream college does not mean your life will end. Keep your eyes and heart open and always be on the lookout for new opportunities.
Remember to Smile
When the tension and stress build up, remember to smile and laugh. No relationship lasts if there is no laughter in it so no matter how bad things get, remember to smile and laugh and keep hope alive. Cliché but true. Consider planning one or two comedy nights between family and friends and other loved ones during the application period to lighten the mood and bring about good cheer. Pick your favorite movies or comedian shows or even try some stand up comedy of your own. Make sure to laugh until your stomach hurts. And most importantly, remember that you will get through this and emerge victorious so give these applications all you have got and show how great you are. It’s time to begin the next chapter of your life.
