Applying for college can be a stressful experience, whether you’re still in high school or returning to education later in life. In turn, this can have a negative impact on your well-being and even your cognitive abilities.

Luckily, there are plenty of steps you can take to look after your mental health and maximize your chances of successfully getting into college – read on for some top tips!

Start Early

Beginning the process of applying early to college is a great way to take some of the stress out of it. You’ll have more time to research your options, check your acceptance chances for high-ranking universities like WashU and other colleges on CampusReel, and craft the perfect personal statement – not to mention proofread it several times!

What’s more, applying early also reduces the risk of you missing any deadlines. So, work on upping your organizational skills, and aim to get started on your college application tasks as soon as possible – that way, you get your head in the game sooner than other applicants while also feeling less stressed out since you’ll have everything completed and finalized ahead of time way before any looming deadlines.

Look After Your Physical Health

Your physical health has a huge impact on your mental and cognitive powers, so if you neglect it, you might be jeopardizing your chances of getting into college. In practical terms, this means you should:

• Maintain a balanced diet
• Eat plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables
• Avoid too much junk food
• Drink six to eight glasses of water a day to stay hydrated
• Avoid sugary sodas, alcohol, and energy drinks
• Exercise every day, whether it’s running, dancing, yoga, or sports
• Get out in nature for exposure to fresh air and sunlight

Make Time for Friends and Hobbies

When you’re applying for college, it’s easy to let the process take over your life. However, it’s important to still leave quality time to spend with your friends or on your hobbies. This helps reduce your stress levels and will enable you to be more productive. Self-care is vital for everyone, so don’t feel guilty about indulging in it every now and again!

Get Plenty of Sleep

You probably already know that good quality sleep is crucial for all cognitive functions, including memory and concentration. That’s why pulling an all-nighter to work on your personal statement for college or to study for an entrance exam is actually detrimental to your chances of success.

Aim for seven to nine hours of sleep a night, using the following tactics to help you drift off:

• Avoiding caffeine and screen time late at night
• Wearing an eye mask to block out light
• Meditating or doing some deep breathing exercises before bed
• Writing down your worries before bed to stop them from keeping you awake

Focus on Your Goals

If the college application process starts to feel overwhelming, take a step back and remind yourself why you’re doing it. Think about your future career goals and all the doors that a college degree will open for you.

Imagine all the fun you’re going to have, the new friends you’re going to make, and the amazing experiences you’re going to enjoy. Whatever your personal reasons for wanting to go to college are, hold them in your mind and use the image to boost your motivation. Soon that dream will be a reality!