You’ve spent a few months working on college applications. You’ve finally submitted all your applications and there’s nothing to do but wait. Waiting for college admission decisions can be nerve-wracking.
However, while there’s no magic way to speed up the process, there’s a lot you can do to remain productive and positive while waiting to hear back from colleges and universities abroad.
Here are some of the best ways to use the waiting period:
Write “Thank You” Letters
A good college application takes help and input from various people. You probably had assistance from recommenders, advisors, mentors, and study abroad consultants.
Take this time to write thank you letters and emails. Remember to highlight specifics about why their input was particularly important to you. Showing gratitude when others lend their hand will strengthen your relationship.
Apply for Scholarships
Most international students apply for scholarships to fill in funding gaps. When waiting for college admission decisions, keep yourself productive by looking for scholarships to help you cover the costs of studying abroad.
Before you start the application process for any scholarship, make sure that you meet the eligibility criteria. With each scholarship getting hundreds or thousands of qualified applications, you’re unlikely to win if you don’t meet the eligibility requirements.
Once you’ve identified suitable scholarships, take time to write impressive essays and applications. Make sure to submit all the required documents. Your scholarship application can be rejected if it’s missing crucial documents.
Look for International Student Loans
This is the best period for you to compare international student loans. The 8B Loan Marketplace is a great place to start your search. The platform allows you to compare different education loans available for African students in international universities.
Check which documents you need to submit for loan application. In most cases, you’ll need to have an admission letter to apply for a student loan. But it doesn’t hurt to start your loan research in advance.
While at it, start thinking about who you might want to approach to cosign your student loan. But not all loans require a cosigner. If you don’t have someone in mind to cosign your student loan, consider applying for an education loan from 8B.
Keep Up With Academic and Professional Commitments
Are you currently pursuing another academic training? Do you have work projects to complete?
Don’t let the period of waiting for college admission decisions make you to neglect your academic and professional responsibilities. Doing so will help keep you focused and prevent you from falling behind.
Continue Researching Colleges Abroad
The waiting period doesn’t mean your college research is over. Now you have ample time to thoroughly check out each one of the colleges you’ve applied to.
- What is their location like?
- Which activities can you enjoy on campus?
- What is their accommodation for international students like?
- Who is in the faculty?
- What is the campus culture like?
Make sure you have an even better picture of what your life at each school might look like. This will help you in making a decision if you receive multiple offer letters.
Keep an Eye Out for Emails
Are you the kind of person to go for days – or even weeks – without checking your emails? During this period, it’s best to make a habit of checking your emails more regularly – at least once a day.
Sometimes, colleges require candidates to provide more information before making an admission decision. You might also be invited to an admissions interview.
Checking your email regularly will ensure that you don’t miss any important communication from the college admissions officers.
Stay Positive and Take Care of Yourself
It can be easy to get caught up in negative thoughts while waiting for admission decisions, but it’s important to stay positive and take care of yourself.
Exercise, spend time with friends and family, and engage in activities you enjoy to help keep your mind off the waiting game.
Final Advice…
It’s ok to feel anxious while waiting for college admission decisions. However, this can also be a productive period as you prepare to join your dream school abroad.
In case you don’t get into any of the schools you’ve applied to, don’t give up. It’s not the end of the road.
Regardless of the outcome of your admission decisions, there are always options available to help you achieve your academic and career goals. Consider applying to community colleges or vocational schools as a stepping stone to your ultimate academic and career goals.
Are you looking for scholarships or student loans to finance your education abroad? Find a scholarship through our extensive scholarship database and compare different loans on the 8B student loan marketplace.
