The applications are in, and now you wait, stuck on the emotional rollercoaster of “She loves me, She loves me not…” as you anticipate those college decisions. Every time you check your email or portal, it feels like plucking another petal off a daisy—will your dream school embrace you with open arms, or will you be left holding a bare stem?
While this waiting period can feel like a slow-motion guessing game, don’t let it consume you. Instead of agonizing over decisions that are out of your hands, here’s how to spend February productively—and how to handle whatever petals fall when the results come in.
While You Wait: Water the Garden, Don’t Just Pick the Petals
1. Stay Engaged in School
Your future college may be deciding on you, but your current teachers are still grading you. Don’t let senioritis wilt your academic record. Keep up the hard work—you’ll thank yourself later.
2. Keep Pursuing Your Passions
Think of your extracurriculars as the sunshine that keeps you thriving. Whether it’s dance, theater, debate, or sports, stay committed. These activities bring you joy and remind you that you are more than just an applicant.
3. Resist the Urge to Overwater with Stress
It’s tempting to stalk college Reddit threads or refresh portals obsessively, but admissions decisions are like plants—you can’t make them grow faster by staring at them. Instead, focus on things that bring you peace and excitement.
4. Plant the Seeds of an Open Mind
Maybe you have a dream school, but don’t put all your petals in one basket. Research multiple colleges, consider all your options, and get excited about places that have already said “yes” to you.
When Decisions Arrive: Petals Fall, but the Bloom Remains
1. The “Yes” Petal – Celebrate, but Stay Grounded
An acceptance letter is a huge achievement! Celebrate, but also take time to consider: Is this school the right fit financially, socially, and academically? Visit again if possible, talk to current students, and compare aid packages before making a final commitment.
2. The “No” Petal – It’s Not a Reflection of Your Worth
Rejections sting, but they don’t define you. Admissions decisions are influenced by factors beyond your control—sometimes it’s about institutional priorities, not personal merit. Allow yourself to feel disappointed, then shift your focus to opportunities ahead.
3. The “Maybe” Petal – Handling Waitlists & Deferrals
If you’re waitlisted or deferred, decide if you want to stay in the running. If so, follow up with a letter of continued interest, updating admissions on recent achievements and reaffirming your enthusiasm for the school. Meanwhile, invest time in your accepted schools—you might end up loving them even more.
4. The Full Bouquet – Choosing the Right School for You
Once all decisions are in, step back and reflect. What matters most—academic programs, campus culture, financial aid, or something else? Don’t choose a school just because of prestige; pick a place where you’ll thrive.
Final Thought: Every Flower is Unique
The “She loves me” game ends differently every time you play— You can’t predict the outcome. Because, like you, each flower is unique and every college is, too. No matter which petals fall, remember: you will bloom wherever you plant strong roots. And like I always say…finding the perfect school is like finding the perfect partner…it makes your heart flutter!
Happy Valentine’s Day!