1. Make Time for Mental Breaks
During my application journey, I kept my energy high by reserving time for my favorite hobbies. As the drum major in my high school marching band, stepping away from the screen and heading to rehearsals gave me a fun physical outlet. I also loved making Homecoming mums (a vibrant Texas tradition), which proved to be the perfect creative way to unwind.
- Takeaway for you: Schedule breaks just as intentionally as your writing time. Whether it’s movement, art, or quality sleep, make time for activities that reset your mind.
2. Surround Yourself with Support
Everyone's support system looks a little different, but sharing your goals and reflections with others makes the process less intimidating. For me, my family was a constant source of encouragement. I leaned on my older sister, who was studying at Rice and shared her firsthand experience with me. She introduced me to Fondren Library for a focused, quiet place to work on my personal essays.
- Takeaway for you: Seek out environments and people that keep you motivated. Learn from those who have recently navigated the process themselves.
3. Look for Campuses That Support Student Wellbeing
While researching colleges, don’t limit your search to academics. Look closely at how campuses support student wellness outside the classroom.
During my search, seeing schools prioritize mental health — like Rice making the Princeton Review Mental Health Honor Roll and students creating tools like Sprout to help peers navigate mental health resources — taught me what to look for. It showed me that maintaining balance wouldn't have to stop once I reached college… which ultimately led me to Rice.
- Takeaway for you: Use app season to research campus culture, mental health resources and student-led support initiatives. Finding a school that values balance is just as important as finding the right academic fit.
4. Celebrate Every Milestone
I stay motivated when I can visualize my progress, so I made it a point to celebrate “mini milestones” along the way. Completing a Common App draft, finalizing a supplement, or submitting a financial aid form was always rewarded with a favorite treat or the night off.
- Takeaway for you: Break your goals into smaller steps. Use checklists or tracking tools to monitor your momentum, and always take the time to celebrate the small wins.
Finally, remember that college application season is just ONE chapter in your story. You will bring value to whatever campus you land on, and your path ahead is full of amazing possibilities!
-Liz C., Brown ‘28 (Published on 11/3/26)
Keep Exploring
Representing Rice on a national stage is always amazing, but heading to the SASE National Conference in Seattle felt extra special because it marked a huge milestone five years in the making! As Internal Vice President of Rice SASE, I (Gayla G., Sid Richardson ‘29) had a front-row seat as our chapter connected classroom theory with real-world engineering in real time. Here’s a look inside our experience and the community we are building on campus.
As a Rice University student studying abroad in Madrid, I (Izzy L., Chao ‘29) spent six weeks navigating Spanish immigration law at my internship while exploring the country’s rich history of convivencia. This experience cultivated a deep sense of empathy within me while also providing a sharper critical lens to bring back to campus.
When I (Tamara L., Martel ‘29) was first considering studying abroad, the thought of moving across the globe felt exciting AND intimidating. The Rice in Paris program turned out to be a perfect three-week compromise, providing the support I needed to navigate a new culture while building lasting connections. Here’s how stepping out of my comfort zone changed my perspective on international learning.
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