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Finding Joy in the Journey: How to Enjoy the University Application Process
22/11/2024•16 minute read
While university applications may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of 'joy,' why not embrace the process and make the most of this exciting opportunity? While it can be a lot of work, there are ways to make the journey more enjoyable.
In this blog, we’ll share some tips on how to approach your applications with a positive mindset and turn the experience into an opportunity for growth. After all, this time can be a valuable chance to reflect on your goals and take a step toward becoming the best version of yourself!
Embrace Self-Discovery
It’s widely understood that the university application process typically requires you to write about your interests and extracurricular activities. On the one hand, this can be a bit intimidating, especially when you’re expected to present a vibrant list alongside stellar grades. However, this element of the process — along with other holistic aspects, such as the personal statement — offers an opportunity to explore your interests and aspirations. The chance to share these with your admissions officer could even help reignite your passion, reminding you why these things are important to you in the first place.
Set Realistic GoalsÂ
The application process is a marathon, not a sprint. The runway is long, and you’ll need your energy to make it to the finish line. All this considered, it’s important to set achievable milestones for yourself along the way, so you always remember how far you’ve come! The process isn’t an easy one, and it’s a good practice to give yourself some credit where due. This will also help with reducing the stress and anxiety you’re probably feeling, and increase your morale as you approach the last lap!
Here are some examples of how you can set realistic goals for your application journey:
- Break Tasks into Smaller Steps: Set mini-deadlines for each part of your application (e.g., personal statement draft, reference letters, etc.).
- Create a Timeline: Organise your tasks by deadline to avoid last-minute stress and ensure you stay on track.
- Schedule Regular Breaks: Set goals for self-care, like taking a walk or doing a short mindfulness exercise to recharge.
Cultivate Your Support System
You’re not in this alone! The application process is part of settling into the next chapter of your life, and your family and friends can be of invaluable support along the way. This is especially crucial if you tend to be hard on yourself. Seeking feedback from loved ones can be vital in helping you reframe your efforts positively. This could be as simple as having one of your parents read your personal statement or asking a mentor to weigh in on your portfolio. Their feedback can provide fresh perspectives, highlight strengths you may have overlooked, and boost your confidence in your application.
Stay Organised
As the process ramps up, maintaining clarity and focus is key. A way to do this is by staying organised, so you have less to worry about at any given time. The last thing you want to be doing is scrambling at the eleventh hour, which will only really increase your stress! Instead, you might want to consider investing in a planner, or downloading one of the many admissions calendars available, so you’ll always be on top of your tasks. Alternatively, you can make your own checklists or timetables, which can also be a good way to keep track of your progress! Ultimately, having all your ducks in a row when it comes to deadlines and deliverables will just make the process that much easier.
Incorporate Fun Activities
Given how many people are now focusing on finding joy in everyday moments, why not apply that mindset to make the application process more enjoyable? By balancing the demands of the process with activities you genuinely enjoy, you can make the experience more manageable and even fun. Here are some ideas to help you create a more enjoyable journey:
Themed Movie Nights: At home, with family or friends, you could host movie nights with films set at universities. Of course, these could be according to your own preferences, but some suggestions include ‘The Social Network’ or ‘Dead Poets Society’, both of which are beautifully made films that focus on students' lives within a university or a preparatory school!
Bring your Pinterest boards to life by indulging in a hands-on arts and crafts session centred around your personal goals and aspirations for university! Whether that’s studying in a cafe with your favourite beverage, or simply walking through the hallowed halls of your institution of choice, something about setting it down on paper makes it feel that much closer. Plus, crafting is a great way to unwind and relieve stress!
Culinary Adventures: If the university you’d like to attend is abroad, it might be fun to do some cultural immersion via themed cooking nights. You could look up well-loved recipes from the country or region that the university is in, and try your hand at making them, just to add a little flavour to your journey!
Reflect on Your Values and Goals
While an offer of admission is of high priority, it’s also crucial to remember why the university experience is important to you, as a person. Keeping this at the front of your mind could be especially helpful when it comes time to crafting your personal statements, or writing about your extracurriculars. Letting your own values and goals shine through will most likely end up helping you to stand out as a unique and competitive candidate, who is able to bring your own flair to the table!
Celebrate Small WinsÂ
Lastly, take time to celebrate your progress. As mentioned earlier, the university admission process is lengthy and can feel overwhelming at times. Instead, try treating each small milestone as a reason to celebrate — whether it’s finishing a draft of your personal statement or gathering your transcripts. Every step brings you closer to your goal, and that’s something to be proud of!
We hope this post has helped you discover ways to make the application process more enjoyable, even when it feels overwhelming. If you’re looking for more personalised guidance to unlock your full potential and streamline the process, Crimson is ready to assist you. Get in touch today to schedule your first consultation with us!
