So if you are deciding to read this article right now, then that means you are either close to or going through the agonizing process of applying to college. I refuse to sugar coat it--college is stressful before you even enroll in your freshman year. However, I must bow down to whoever created Common App--you are the true MVP. As someone who is FINALLY completing the college application/waiting for admission process, I have a few tips for you to help you stay sane.

1. Do not just apply to one college

I beg of you-do not make this mistake. It’s amusing for me to be writing this because my own parents only applied to one school each, but that was a different time. Nowadays, colleges are far more prestigious, selective, and overall more competitive. I applied to 10, and you may think that’s a lot, but I know people who applied to 20. This is because you never know which college is going to want you and which one is going to say, “Mm, better not.”

2. Start your common app and personal essay sooner than later

Let me tell you, Senior year is no walk in the park. So if you think you can cruise by without getting a jumpstart on your college apps, you’re going to be in for a rude awakening. I started my Common App in the summer, just to begin the tedious process of submitting my personal information. I also began writing my personal essay. In doing this, I alleviated stress, because I wasn’t cramming to finish all of my applications on time. Which brings me to my next point...

3. Alleviate stress in as many ways as you can

If you can, make this process as easy as possible, then do it. Seek the aid of your guidance counselors, parents and teachers in order to obtain a good foundation on what steps you should take, what schools will fit you, and what major you should choose. Websites like Naviance are very beneficial in aiding the selection process, and being proactive can also contribute to reduced stress.

4. Check the application status links

Many universities will send those who apply codes in order to create an account so that you can check the status of your application. This can be somewhat annoying when having to keep track of all of the different usernames and passwords, but I highly recommend you do it. This way, if you forgot a specific aspect of your application, such as your mid-year grades, or want to see if the school has obtained your FAFSA and CSS profile, you can monitor this and fix it.

5. File for FAFSA and CSS as soon as you can

College is NOT cheap. And everyone wants money. So what are you waiting for?

6. Prepare yourself for the rejection letters

Colleges are picky, and can be kind of brutal. I know the feeling that occurs when you get rejected--the pit in your stomach and the ache in your heart. However, the school that you are meant to be at will say yes. Whatever happens is for a greater purpose and reason. I truly believe that. If a school says no, then it was not meant to be your home for the next four years. So brush it off, accept it, and be excited for the acceptances.

7. Expect the unexpected

When I tell you that I had no idea where I was going to be admitted, I literally had no idea. I had confidence in some schools, and in others, my fate was dangling on a tightrope. However, despite the fear of not being good enough, some of my top schools said yes. I will admit that I wasn’t expecting the, “Congratulations.” And that made it even sweeter.

8. Get excited