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By Joyce Wilson, Guest Contributor

Applying to college or graduate school can be a daunting task, especially when you add the stress of juggling deadlines, essays, and campus visits. For many students and professionals, these decisions can shape the course of their whole future, and it’s important to put your best foot forward. However, that doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice your mental health and well-being in the process. In this blog post, English Plus+ takes a look at some stress-reducing strategies that can help you stay organized and focused throughout the application process.

Brainstorming and Planning
Before you dive into writing your essays, it’s important to take some time to brainstorm ideas and create a list of essay prompts that you will need to address. This allows you to think about your stories and experiences before the pressure of a deadline sets in. You can also create outlines of your essays and plan out key points. This helps you stay organized and focused throughout the writing process, ultimately making the experience less stressful. A helpful video on writing a college admissions essay can be found at https://youtu.be/SzX6QgUAM24.

Lighting Matters
Did you know that the lighting in your workspace can affect your mood and productivity? It’s true! Working in artificial light can raise your cortisol levels, triggering your body’s stress response. To combat this, try working in natural light. If possible, find a workspace near a window or simply take frequent breaks to spend some time outside. By doing this, you’ll send positive messages to your brain and reduce your anxiety levels.

Touring Campuses
Visiting college campuses may seem like a daunting task, but it can help reduce your stress levels. You can get a sense of the campus community, see the facilities, and meet current students. Additionally, many schools are now offering virtual tours, which can be a great option if you’re unable to make an in-person visit. Talking to alumni or current students who live near you can give you an idea of what the school is like if you are unable to visit. Remember the goal is to make a good match.

Developing a System
Keeping track of deadlines and application fees is essential. It’s important to have a system in place to help you stay on top of these tasks. You can create a spreadsheet or use a planner to track application fees and submission dates. Having a visual representation of your to-do list can help reduce your anxiety and increase your productivity.

Making a List of Requirements
Make a list of application requirements for each school, including transcripts, test scores, and essays. By having a clear understanding of what each school requires, you can plan accordingly and avoid missing any critical deadlines. This will help you stay organized and on top of the application process. The following video summarizes things colleges look for in an applicant: https://youtu.be/SVLBQM5tlcA.

Keeping Track of Your Accomplishments
It’s important to keep track of your extracurricular activities, academic achievements, and volunteer work. Having a running list of your accomplishments will help you when it comes time to fill out applications. It can also serve as a motivating reminder of how
much you’ve accomplished and how capable you are of achieving your goals.

Utilizing Online Tools
Submitting application materials to college admissions offices should be easy and hassle-free. An online tool can help you convert any copies of your application into a PDF format, so they’ll be accessible to anyone who needs to view them. For more information on this process if you are not familiar with PDF files, simply click here for more info and get the detailed instructions that you need.

Applying to college or graduate school can be stressful, but it doesn’t have to be. By using these stress-reducing strategies, you can stay organized and focused throughout the application process. Remember, the most important thing is to take care of your mental and emotional well-being throughout this journey. With the right mindset and tools, you can successfully navigate the application process and achieve your goals.