how to stay motivated while waiting for results

by iris madeira,

team madhavi desai, counselling students since 1986 and helping families navigate international university admissions for over 37 years.

for many students, submitting university applications feels like crossing the finish line.

in reality, it's the beginning of one of the most challenging stages of the admissions journey - waiting. applications have been submitted, essays are complete, interviews are over, and supporting documents have been uploaded. yet weeks, and sometimes months, can pass before universities release their decisions.

during this period, it's easy to become consumed by uncertainty. students refresh application portals repeatedly, compare timelines with friends, analyse every email notification and begin imagining every possible outcome.

after counselling over 29,000+ students applying to universities across 35+ countries, we've found that the waiting period often feels more stressful than the application process itself, not because students are still working, but because they aren't.

the good news is that this period doesn't have to feel like lost time.

here are the strategies we encourage students to follow while waiting for admission decisions.

1. focus on what you can control

one of the biggest sources of anxiety is trying to control something that has already moved beyond your influence. once an application has been submitted, admissions decisions are in the university's hands.

refreshing an application portal every hour won't change the outcome. instead, redirect your energy towards things that are still within your control. continue focusing on your schoolwork. stay involved in extracurricular activities. complete ongoing projects. read, learn and keep developing your interests.

students who continue investing in themselves often find that the waiting period becomes far more productive and far less stressful.

2. set small goals each week

waiting often feels difficult because progress seems invisible. creating small weekly goals helps restore a sense of momentum. these goals don't have to be major achievements. they could include:

• finishing a book

• learning a new software tool

• completing an online course

• improving a particular academic skill

• preparing for final school examinations

• volunteering in your community

  
  

small accomplishments provide regular reminders that life continues moving forward, even while university decisions remain pending.

3. maintain balance in your routine

application season can easily become all-consuming. during the waiting period, it's important to reconnect with the parts of life that often get neglected during deadlines. spend time with family. meet friends. exercise regularly. pursue hobbies you've enjoyed but temporarily put aside.

a balanced routine doesn't make the uncertainty disappear, but it prevents the waiting period from becoming the only thing occupying your thoughts. students who maintain healthy routines generally cope with uncertainty more effectively than those who isolate themselves around application updates.

4. talk about how you're feeling

many students assume they should simply "deal with it" quietly. in reality, sharing concerns usually makes them feel much more manageable. talk with your parents.

speak to a trusted teacher. reach out to your counsellor. have honest conversations with friends who understand the process.

sometimes the biggest benefit isn't receiving advice, it's simply knowing someone else understands what you're experiencing. if the waiting period starts feeling overwhelming or the anxiety begins affecting your sleep, concentration or daily life, speaking with a trusted adult or counsellor is an important step.

5. avoid constant comparison

while you're waiting, it can seem as though everyone else is receiving offers before you. social media often amplifies this feeling. students naturally post acceptances and exciting updates.

very few share the weeks of uncertainty that came before those announcements. different universities release decisions on different schedules. different countries follow different admissions calendars. a friend's update tells you nothing about your own application.try to limit unnecessary comparison and remember that every student's admissions journey follows its own timeline.

6. keep perspective

one admissions decision, whether positive or disappointing, does not define your future. students often place enormous emotional weight on a single university because they've invested so much time preparing the application.

while that's understandable, it's important to remember that there are multiple pathways to academic and professional success. the effort you've invested in becoming a stronger student doesn't disappear because of one admissions outcome. the skills you've developed, the habits you've built and the experiences you've gained will continue to benefit you wherever you eventually study.

7. trust the process you've already completed

by the time applications are submitted, the work has already been done. you've researched universities. prepared essays. collected recommendations. met deadlines.

made thoughtful decisions.

at this stage, trusting the process is often healthier than repeatedly questioning every decision you've already made. instead of wondering, "what if i had changed one sentence?" focus on preparing yourself for whichever opportunity comes next.

a counsellor's observation

every admissions cycle, we meet students who believe the waiting period is simply empty time between applications and decisions. it isn't. students who use this period well often arrive at university more confident, more balanced and better prepared for what lies ahead.

they continue learning. they remain curious. they keep building themselves instead of putting life on hold. perhaps most importantly, they recognise that uncertainty is part of every meaningful journey and learning to navigate it is a valuable skill in itself.

the waiting period is part of the journey

waiting can feel uncomfortable because it asks students to trust work they've already completed. that's never easy. but this period also offers something valuable: time to reflect, continue growing and prepare for the opportunities ahead.

at team madhavi desai, we encourage students to view the waiting period not as a pause, but as another stage of their university journey. while admissions decisions are beyond a student's control, how they choose to spend this time remains entirely within it and those choices continue shaping both their confidence and their future.

frequently asked questions

1. how long does it usually take to receive university admission decisions?
   

   timelines vary depending on the university, country and application round. some universities respond within a few weeks, while others may take several months. checking the official admissions timeline for each university is the best way to set realistic expectations.
   

2. is it normal to feel anxious while waiting for admission results?
   

   yes. almost every student experiences some level of uncertainty during this period. feeling anxious doesn't mean anything is wrong with your application—it simply reflects the fact that an important decision is outside your control.
   

3. should students continue working on extracurricular activities after submitting applications?
   

   absolutely. continuing with academic work, extracurricular activities, volunteering or personal projects helps students stay engaged, maintain momentum and continue growing regardless of the admissions outcome.
   

4. how can students avoid constantly checking their application status?
   

   setting specific times to check application portals—rather than checking repeatedly throughout the day—can help reduce unnecessary stress. staying busy with school, hobbies and other goals also makes the waiting period more manageable.
   

5. how does team madhavi desai support students during the waiting period?
   

   our guidance doesn't end when applications are submitted. we continue supporting students through admissions updates, decision planning, waitlist guidance, university comparisons and the next steps after offers arrive, helping families navigate every stage of the admissions journey with clarity and confidence.