Patience is a Virtue! (Especially when you want to speed up time!)

As a college advisor and a mom, I understand the mix of emotions that come with the college application process. After months of hard work, research, and endless revisions, it's a relief to finally hit Submit! But what comes next can be even more difficult – waiting for those acceptance letters. It's easy to fall into the trap of obsession, but here are some tips to help you navigate this anxious period wisely.

1. Take a Breath:

First and foremost, take a deep breath. Sending out those college applications was a HUGE accomplishment, and you should be proud of your hard work. It's crucial to acknowledge this milestone and allow yourself to relax a bit.

2. Distract Yourself:

While waiting for responses, it's essential to keep your mind occupied with other activities. Dive into hobbies, engage in volunteer work, or immerse yourself in a good book. This not only prevents obsession but also enriches your personal growth.

3. Maintain a Balanced Perspective:

Remember that college admission decisions are not a reflection of your worth as a person or your potential for success. (Or yours - Mom and Dad!) A rejection or deferral is not the end of the world. Keep your options open and maintain a balanced perspective on the process.

4. Stay Informed:

Stay informed about various application timelines and decision release dates for the colleges you applied to. Follow admissions offices on social media and check college websites. Having a clear idea of when to expect responses can help reduce anxiety so you don't check portals 100 times a day.

5. Focus on Self-Care:

Self-care is crucial. Ensure you are getting enough rest, eating well, and exercising regularly. Taking care of your physical and mental well-being will help you manage stress and anxiety. Mental health is your #1 priority!

6. Avoid Comparisons:

Avoid comparing yourself to others. Each student's journey is unique, and everyone has their own path to success. What matters most is finding the right fit for you!

7. Trust the Process:

The college admission process is a complex one, and it's not always predictable. Trust that the admissions officers are reviewing your application thoroughly and making the best decisions for their institution.

8. Be Patient:

Patience is key during this time. The waiting game can be challenging, but remember that the responses will come when they are ready. There's NOTHING you can do to rush the process. (So don't email your admissions rep every day to say Hi!)

As a college advisor and a mom, I know that the college application process is an emotional rollercoaster for both students AND parents. (Sometimes worse for the parents!) But remember, once those applications are sent out, you've done all you can, and it's time to let go and let the process unfold. Fill your waiting time with meaningful activities and maintain a healthy perspective. Surround yourself with loved ones and positive vibes.

In the end, no matter the outcome, you are on your way to an exciting college journey!

College Marni

COLLEGE MARNI SAYS - TIME FOR VISITS! GO 'U'!!

As the weather turns brisk and college football is in full swing it is now a great time to plan some campus visits! While the one silver lining of the pandemic was an increase of amazing virtual information sessions from colleges there is nothing like experiencing a school in person. Whether you visit somewhere near or far there are always things to look out for on campus. Always immerse yourself the best you can when you visit. That means an info session, a campus tour and asking questions! Can you sit in on a class or speak with a professor? Can you chat with a current student? Eat in the dining hall? Attend a game? I've given tons of tips on this topic on recent podcasts. Check them out at College Scoops https://collegescoops.com/episode-138-creating-a-balanced-college-list/ and The New Old You https://open.spotify.com/episode/444AmefCheG6ymGSVbcFzE?si=93b3ff70d08d4baf.

I have also created a handy checklist attached where you can take notes so that when you develop your final college list and write those essays you will know (and remember) exactly why you want to attend the schools you've decided to apply to! Please feel free to share it with friends and family!

https://www.canva.com/design/DAFNeeGHgTQ/uHbXIub1D9iCdhyqDmJXFA/view?utm_content=DAFNeeGHgTQ&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link&utm_source=publishsharelink

You can copy this link to print, too!! file:///C:/Users/almac/Downloads/Minimalist%20Business%20Order%20Form%20(2).pdf

HAVE FUN and GO 'U'!!!

COLLEGE MARNI'S CAMPUS FIRST AID KIT 2022

We've crowd-sourced the must have items for the perfect campus first aid kit! Suggestions came from College Marni's Campus Crew including our favorite docs, mamas, papas and current students. Of course, these are SUGGESTIONS! Not everyone needs every item! But we have broken it down by potential ailment and included some easy tips in each section, too! Being prepared will also save on the panic we feel when we can't get to our sick kiddos and start Door Dashing or Amazon-ing items.

Secret tip---On most college campuses the Hillel offers a free Chicken Soup Hotline. Student volunteers will drop off chicken soup and a challah roll to your student's dorm and will send you a note afterward. You can make a donation to say 'THANK YOU'...$18 is good luck and a lovely way to help them keep this wonderful service going! It is also less than you will pay to Door Dash soup to them!

(FYI- This is not a religious service - it is for ALL students on ALL campuses! And who doesn't like chicken soup?)

COLLEGE MARNI’S CAMPUS FIRST AID KIT

*MAKE SURE TO HAVE ALL PRESCRIPTIONS AND INSURANCE CARD

*INFO ALSO WRITTEN DOWN SOMEWHERE SAFE

*KNOW WHICH IS THE CLOSEST PHARMACY

*KNOW WHERE HEALTH SERVICES IS AND HOW TO GET THERE

*KNOW WHERE CLOSE INSTANT CARE OFFICES ARE (THAT TAKE YOUR INS.)

*KNOW WHERE THE NEAREST EMERGENCY ROOM IS

*GET ROOMMATE'S CONTACT INFO

GENERAL:

• IBUPROFEN/ACETOMINOPHEN

• CORTISONE CREAM

• ALLERGY MEDS/BENADRYL

• THERMOMETER
  

WOUNDS/CUTS:

• Normal Saline to irrigate a wound

• Polysporin, Neosporin or Bacitracin

• Assorted sizes of Bandaids

• Liquid Bandaid for paper cuts or cuts in fingers

• Isopropyl alcohol 70% (for cleansing an area NOT for drinking!)

• Tweezers

GASTROINTESTINAL:

• Pepto Bismol for diarrhea, heartburn, indigestion, upset stomach

• Immodium for diarrhea

• An acid reducer like Pepcid for gastrointestinal reflux or heartburn

• Ginger tea for nausea

COUGHS/COLDS:

• Menthol cough drops

• Cold and flu elixir, am and pm

• Theraflu

• Mucinex

• Kleenex

• Nasal saline drops

• Vicks Vapor Rub

• Can of chicken soup that you can microwave in your dorm room/apt

BACK PAIN, JOINTS, MUSCLE ACHES:

• For mild swelling or pain, ice first 48 hours of initial pain

• Instant Cold Packs

• Tiger Balm

• Bengay use only as directed

• Voltaren use only as directed

• *If persistent pain, go to ER or urgent care for further evaluation and possible X-ray

SKIN/BREAKOUTS:

• Try over the counter acne products like benzoyl peroxide

• Any persistent acne that is unresponsive, please see your dermatologist.

CLEANSERS:

• Panoxyl bar for face and body

• Cetaphil or Cerave acne wash/cleanser

• Watch your sugar intake as high glycemic foods can cause breakouts.

SENSITIVE FACIAL SKIN:

• Aveeno Calming Cleanser

• Cerave Hydrating Cleanser

DRY FACIAL SKIN:

• La Roche Posay double repair facial moisturizer (yes for boys, too!)

• Cetaphil or Cerave facial moisturizer

DRY CRACKED LIPS OR SKIN:

• Cerave Healing Ointment

• Eucerin Advanced Repair Body Lotion or Cream for the extremities and body

• Cerave Hydrating Body Wash

• Dove, Aveeno or Oil of Olay Body Washes

ELECTROLYTE IMBALANCE:

• Coconut water

• Liquid IV Hydration Multiplier/Electrolyte powders

• Gatorade

• Pedialyte

• Ginseng

• Portable water purification system like a Britta water canister or bottle to keep hydrated all year.

COVID PREVENTION:

• N-95 masks to protect yourself and others

• Antibacterial/Antiviral wipes

• Hand Sanitizer

• COVID quick test kits on hand

• Vitamins and Supplements

• *If you are having cold-like symptoms, get a COVID PCR test and see your medical provider on campus as soon as possible.

BIRTH CONTROL:

• Prescriptions

• Condoms

• Plan B – (doesn’t expire for 3 years- even if you don’t need it, you may be a hero by sharing it with someone who does)

DISCLAIMER!!!!

This info has been crowd-sourced from College Marni’s Campus Crew made up of my favorite docs, mamas, papas and current students!

You should always consult a physician before taking any meds and watch for allergies and interactions!!!

Obviously, not everyone needs every item on the list but we hope this helps you be safe on campus in the Fall!