5 Tips to Help You Survive the University Application SeasonMay 14, 2018

The clock is ticking, and you're about to get a panic attack. It's understandable for a teenager attempting to gain admissions into university. All teens find their way into the hallowed grounds, which is supposed to be reassuring to you. But it's not. The university application season is like a tough gig, but let's not stretch it too far (and compare it to a reality TV talent show).

You can survive this grueling process if you start early, if not very early. This approach gives you some time, if not lots of time. Some prospective applicants may be skeptical about it, but they would have a change of heart after learning about the application essay. In this regard, a change of mindset is required.

More Organized and Less Stressed

Look at the university application process as another academic course. This approach will help you avoid the procrastination, which can doom your chances of admittance. Think of the time that you must spend on composing your application letter and proofreading it. If you're planning to send your application papers to several universities, then it will be foolish for the content of your application letter to be one and the same. On the other hand, you must not let it dominate your routine. You haven't finished your secondary studies. You might have lower marks if you lose your focus a bit.

It's time to learn the basics of journalism. If you don't have a clue on how to write your paper, then you must comfort yourself with the fact that you're not the only one. However, many hopeful applicants are rather bullish on creating their own writing style. They hope that it will impress the admissions tutor, but this is rather an ignorance on their part. It's a huge mistake to assume that your writing doesn't need further improvement. On the other hand, there's no need to worry about your lack of writing skills. It might help if you have read some classics, but try the newspapers. Pay attention to the title of the news article, and how the information (or its summary) is arranged. And take note of the length. It's an inverted triangle if you're perceptive enough. This should give you a general idea on how to write your application essay.

Avoid talking to soon-to-be university mates on the application process. Thinking about it can make you stressed out, if not be anxious about the possibility of not being admitted to your university of preference. If there's a need to bring it up during the conversation, then say a little. This should give you a peace of mind. The rule also applies to social media, as curiosity won't be piqued if you post something that is related to the application process.

You can ask your parents for good advice, but don't forget one important thing. Your folks have been there, so don't hesitate on asking questions. There's a tendency for parents to be too concerned, which is not needed at all. You're the one seeking a place in the university, not them. If you're not the kind of teen who heeds their advice, then introduce yourself to your tutor. You don't have a meet him (or her) right away, Don't be surprised if you would be asked to look at the short list of titles. It saves time.

Take deep breaths if you're about to get overwhelmed by the application process. You must know that you're the only one who can influence the outcome of this process. Do your homework. (Write with abandon, drink many glasses of water.) Don't worry about rejection. It happens to everyone one, and the persistent teens know that a rejection doesn't signal the end of the world. You might not be admitted to your university of preference, but it will be too early for such a thing. Believe in yourself. Buy a notebook (or notepad) where you can write down some rambling thoughts. If you look through it again (and one more time), then you might have overlooked the possibility that you're doing fine.

Rules of the (Academic) Game

You must master the technical aspects of the university application process, but you shouldn't worry if you don't have a clue. The journalistic approach to your application essay is one thing. Learning to read anytime (and anywhere) should help you think of fantastic ideas if that can make your paper stand out. If you miss out on something, then remember that you have given your best. Don't ever think what could have, should have, and would have.

If you miss your shot, then it means looking for another university. You must go through to the process all over again, but the experience should enable you to find out what steps you overlook. It also recalls the things you've assumed, which is not a thing to do in such situation. You do better, but the perspective helps you remind that this process deserves your utmost attention. Learn to live your life, and celebrate the small things (if you must). Go to the sea if you must.

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