Yep, it’s that time of year again. It’s hard to fathom that by April 2, all major college decisions will be in!

But there's still plenty of time before they’re released. So, of course, tensions are running high; high school seniors are drinking Pepto-Bismol by the bottle and praying to the college admission gods every night as they await and prepare for the humbling acceptances and, well, the impending rejections. College admissions really are a crapshoot, what can I say?

But all is up in the air until then. So, here are some tips and tricks for getting past these next few weeks safely and sanely.

1. Eat. Lots. Of. Food.

Dig out that tub of good ol’ Ben and Jerry’s. Indulge in that chocolate bar, and don’t be afraid to take an extra chicken drumstick at dinner. After all, you’ve made it this far in your high school journey, you deserve it! Psychological research notes that just thinking about a comfort food or writing about it can increase one’s emotional well-being, so feel free to use the science behind chicken soup as your excuse to indulge in two more bowls!

2. Talk to your friends and see how they feel.

Always keep in mind that you’re not the only one going through this--hellish--process. Sometimes a few pep-talks and hugs and pats on the back can make a huge difference. Laughing together--and crying together--can make these days feel a little less helpless and lonely though solidarity.

3. Shop cute college gear!

My best friend and I are definitely guilty of this innocent pleasure. Whenever we’re not babbling in enthusiasm--as well as fear--about the colleges we’ve applied to, we’re shopping for college clothing. Columbia, personally, is my favorite to shop for, blue being my favorite color--and Columbia being my dream school. Sweaters, hoodies, sweatpants, blankets, you name it, we’ve searched it! Columbia has the cutest bracelets and watches…but I’m getting off track!

4. Visit the colleges you applied to.

During this time, you’ll definitely be thinking about where you’d eventually go, should you get accepted into all of your college choices. If so, what better way to decide than to visit those very colleges? This way, you can get a sense of what life will be like on those campuses, and how each of those choices would benefit you and your academic--and social--interests. You will be spending the next four years of your life in that very place, after all. So choose wisely!

5. And finally, don’t forget to dream!

These next weeks will be filled with the seriousness of the decisions and choices that are soon to come, so it’s always important to keep your spirits high! Don’t ever forget that these weeks are also ones filled with optimism as we ponder excitedly over what’s to come, as well! Which college will you get into that will turn you into a best-selling novelist, a Nobel Prize Winner, a Fulbright Scholar…the possibilities are absolutely endless, and in this period of time, anything is possible.

So revel in it! To all of those expecting decisions soon, best of luck to you! A new chapter of your life is about to unfold, so don’t fret; open your arms up to it! And who knows; maybe the future just might pleasantly surprise you.