For many aspiring graduate students, the period after submitting applications is nothing short of agonizing. The long months of uncertainty stretch ahead, filled with self-doubt, sleepless nights, and the temptation to refresh email inboxes in hopes of a decision—any decision. The waiting game is an emotional marathon, where patience is tested and nerves fray. Yet, for all the stress it brings, this period doesn’t have to be a descent into chaos. With the right strategies, applicants can weather the storm and emerge stronger, focused, and ready for whatever comes next.
From accepting what’s out of their control to prioritizing mental health, there are concrete steps that can help applicants not only survive but thrive during this excruciating waiting period. So how can one maintain sanity when the future feels so uncertain? The answer lies in a combination of acceptance, meaningful distractions, and strong support systems.
Step One: Acceptance is Key
The first step to surviving the wait is recognizing what is—and isn’t—within your control. “You’ve done everything you can,” says a seasoned academic with two PhDs and a master’s degree. The application is submitted, the recommendation letters sent, and the essays written. At this stage, the outcome is firmly in the hands of the admissions committees.
Still, the temptation to revisit every decision and every sentence lingers. Could the personal statement have been better? Should another school have been added to the list? These questions are unproductive, and obsessing over them only amplifies anxiety. Instead, experts recommend setting boundaries for checking updates. Constantly refreshing your email or logging into application portals can be mentally draining. Establish designated times—perhaps morning, afternoon, and evening—to review for updates. Outside of those moments, focus your energy elsewhere.
Step Two: Staying Engaged and Busy
Distraction, when purposeful, can be a powerful antidote to stress. This waiting period presents a rare opportunity to focus on personal growth. Enroll in an online course, revisit a forgotten hobby, or dive into a topic you’re passionate about. Whether it’s learning a new language, practicing photography, or exploring a potential research interest, staying mentally active keeps you sharp while building skills that might even benefit you in grad school.
For those seeking a deeper sense of fulfillment, volunteering or mentoring can provide a dual benefit. Not only does it occupy your time, but it also instills a sense of purpose. Helping others can shift your focus away from the uncertainty of waiting.
Step Three: Build a Support Network
Isolation during this period can make the wait feel even longer. Recognizing that others are navigating similar challenges can ease the burden. Online platforms like The GradCafe offer a virtual community for applicants to share updates, offer support, and even commiserate.
“Knowing you’re not alone can make a world of difference,” says one applicant. Discussing the process with peers—whether they’re friends, colleagues, or virtual strangers—can provide much-needed camaraderie and perspective. The GradCafe forums and the r/gradadmissions subreddit are both thriving communities where you can meet people in a similar situation.
Step Four: Planning for All Outcomes
While optimism is a valuable asset, preparation for every scenario is equally important. Consider how you’ll respond to various outcomes. Acceptance to your top choice may be your goal, but what if you’re waitlisted? What if the decision doesn’t go your way at all? Developing a plan for each possibility can reduce anxiety and restore a sense of control. Whether reapplying, pursuing other opportunities, or transitioning into the next phase of life, thinking ahead ensures that you’re ready to act when the time comes.
Step Five: Prioritize Mental Health
The emotional toll of waiting for grad school decisions should not be underestimated. Stress, anxiety, and sleepless nights are common during this period. Experts emphasize the importance of self-care. Exercise, a balanced diet, and sufficient sleep form the foundation of good mental health. Beyond that, reaching out for support—from friends, family, or professionals—can help alleviate feelings of overwhelm.
“It’s crucial to remember that this is just one chapter in your story,” says an academic advisor. “Your worth isn’t defined by an admissions decision.”
Submitting a grad school application is, in itself, a major accomplishment. The process demands dedication, effort, and resilience. As you wait for decisions, shift your focus toward what you can control: your growth, your connections, and your well-being. While the waiting game may be challenging, it’s also a time of opportunity—a chance to prepare for what’s next, no matter what the outcome may be. Trust that the right path will reveal itself, and take pride in the hard work that brought you to this moment.
When you do hear back, be sure to submit your graduate application results with the community. You understand the importance. So please share your experience!
Dr. Johns is the Technical Editor for Hackr.io. He has two PhDs (structural and blast engineering) and worked for years as a data scientist.
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