Be patient and try not to panic

Let me start off by acknowledging that I am *NOT* the most patient person on the planet!

I know that it can be frustrating waiting for something to happen. Waiting to hear news. Waiting for the next phase of your life. Waiting... waiting... and still more waiting.
But the reality is you need to be patient.

Right now colleges are completely overwhelmed and back-logged with applications that they have been receiving. For example, this weekend we received a notice from Miami saying that they are running one to two weeks behind on getting everything processed and updated in their computer. They were sending that notice to us because they are also automatically generating letters that they are sending home to students to remind you that you need to send your transcript and test scores and a recommendation letter. People tend to panic when they see that notice and want to send the materials again. Colleges do not want that happening as it will simply back up their system even more. Miami is NOT the only one in this situation - this is a very common occurance at this time of year, but it does create a lot of panic in homes of seniors across the country!

Try to be patient and do not panic. If you get one of these letters (from any college) take a moment and double check - did you submit a transcript request for this particular school? Did you request to have your official test results sent to the college from the ACT/ SAT websites? Did your teachers complete their recommendation letters? There are times when transcripts will sit in our office for several days because of missing items such as recommendation letters. (I can assure you though that I only have 2 transcripts in my office at this time and both students have been notified as they require recommendation letters from me and I do not have any of their forms or information to draft the letters.) So, although this is not the case at this time, it is still an important reminder to make sure that all of the components of your application are submitted to the counseling office so that we can mail the transcripts. If your transcript was mailed within the last 2-3 weeks, then take a deep breath and relax knowing that it is likely just because their system is backed up. Continue double checking on the college website (most, like Miami, will give you access to see your application status) and see if they have everything. If you are nearing the end of the 3rd week and they still don't have all of your items, then you can give them a call to double check. Chances are they just haven't made it there and into their system yet, but there are times where things get lost in the mail or filed in the wrong area. If items need to be sent again then we will work on taking care of that, but first make sure that they really are missing it.

As always, swing by my office to see me if you have any questions. Also, don't forget that you have a late start day tomorrow! I'm so jealous! We have meetings while you get to sleep in... :-)