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The Waiting Game

It’s December, and I’m still going.

Over the past couple of months, I’ve spent more time with Google Docs, Common App, and my to-do lists than with my family. From writing personal stories about my childhood obsession with maps to crafting essays on custom trophy-making (yes, that Dumpster Fire Award made an appearance), the college application process has been both a sprint and a marathon. And yet, I’m not done—almost, but not quite. I still have a plethora of essays to get through before the year's end. It’s a packed schedule. But, I’ve made a decision that feels oddly freeing:

I Won’t Be Checking Any Decisions Until March

I know. It sounds strange. Why would someone voluntarily postpone checking college decisions when the refresh button exists? But hear me out:

The college application process has been so consuming—constant essays, edits, and interviews—that I want to give myself a mental break. Whether it’s an early or regular decision, opening those portals right away won’t change the outcome. It can wait.

January is symbolic for me. A fresh start, a new year, and the right time to face whatever lies ahead with calmness and perspective. My last application is due mid-january, and after that, I'll be taking some time to myself to enjoy a month of my senior year before diving back into the college-craze.

Why I’m Doing This

  1. Space to Reset: College decisions shouldn’t dictate my mood during the holidays. I want to enjoy December-March as it is—without refreshing portals or analyzing outcomes.

  2. Perspective: I worked hard on my applications. I wrote honestly, poured in my experiences, and put my best self forward. Whether it’s a yes, no, or maybe, I can’t control what happens next.

  3. Priorities: There are still essays to write. I need to focus on finishing strong without distractions.

The Road Ahead

Once the final submit button is clicked on January 15th, I’ll step away and take a deep breath. Until then, I’ll be finishing my "Why Major" essays, polishing the final applications, and figuring out where to throw a wildcard submission.

For anyone in the same boat—whether you’re waiting on decisions or just starting your apps—I hope this post reminds you to give yourself grace. You’ve done enough.

January will come soon enough. And when it does, I’ll be ready—no matter what.

Until then, one essay at a time.