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For many high school seniors, college application season is both highly anticipated and anxiety-inducing. Whether you are aiming for your dream school, are narrowing down your list, or are unsure about how to start, the application process can be overwhelming. As a first-generation college student, I often found myself becoming hyper fixated on the process rather than focusing on the exciting prospect of starting a new phase of life. I’m here to give you several reminders that will, hopefully, ease some of your application cycle anxiety during this uncertain time.

You should focus first and foremost on why you want to attend each particular school. Regardless of if you are applying to a school for the campus environment, social life, academic programs, or finances, it is helpful to recognize why you are investing your time in the application. By focusing on the reason, you may realize that a school you were looking into doesn’t align with where you see yourself for the next several years. As a result, you may find that it isn’t worth the time and energy to apply. Keep in mind that safety schools and schools that align with your finances are great, but you don’t need to apply to dozens of safety schools just to make your list of schools longer. Cater your list to your particular needs and desires rather than what may feel expected of you. Alternatively, you may find numerous reasons why you want to attend a school. In this case, great! Now you can highlight that information in your application essays to show your passion to the admissions counselors. Make sure you’re putting energy into the schools that truly make sense for you.

Don’t forget to embrace your last year of high school. When I was applying to schools, I couldn’t wait to get out of high school and found myself spending too much of my time preparing for college. All my free time went towards researching my potential major, dreaming about living on campus, and preparing to buy my residence hall decor. Even if high school isn’t for you, find time to appreciate the things you will miss while in college. This could be spending more time with your family or pets, going for walks/drives in your hometown, or attending high school sporting events. Whatever it is that you enjoy, don’t skip past it. College will be waiting for you in the meantime.

Prepare for all outcomes. The application process can feel excruciatingly long depending on several factors such as how quickly admissions is reviewing applications, if you receive any postponements or waitlists, and how much patience you practice. Every individual’s experience with college applications is different, so you never know what your outcome will be. This may sound intimidating, but it’s also the beauty of the application process. In holistic admissions offices, there is no set outcome for your application. You could get postponed from your top choice and get accepted later on in the cycle. Alternatively, you could get rejected from the schools you expected to attend but end up loving your safety schools. Being prepared for any outcome at each of the schools you apply to allows for you to adjust quickly. Instead of placing your eggs all in one basket or banking on getting into a school, do your best and acknowledge that things may turn out differently than expected. If this is the case, that’s OK!

The last piece of advice I have is the most cliche, but most important: Remember that you will go where you are meant to go. In my last year of high school, I heard this advice frequently from friends and family members. At the time, it seemed like it was the worst thing to hear. However, now that I’ve gone through the process in its entirety, I truly do believe it. You may end up transferring, taking a gap year, going to a safety school, etc. Whatever direction your educational route goes, it will inevitably work out the way that it is supposed to. So keep your head up, apply confidently, and trust that everything will work out in the end.