Productive things I did while I waited to hear back from TMU

After I applied to Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU), I waited months to receive acceptance to the Journalism program. When a decision came my way, I found out that I was waitlisted. This made it even more difficult to make a decision as to which program I would choose to attend amidst the uncertain outcome. This time can be extremely stressful, whether you’re waiting to hear back on acceptances or deciding where to go. So, here are a few productive things that I did during the waiting period!

TMU was my top choice, especially with its location being in the heart of the city. While going downtown with my family, I walked around campus to see all of the buildings and students in action. It was nice to get a feel of the location and environment, which in turn confirmed my decision.

My transition from high school to university was a pivotal moment in self discovery. It was the most important time for me to figure out who I was in this world, and what I was meant to do. While keeping in mind that I’d be entering a new city and meeting new people, I also wanted to have a fresh perspective on life by the time summer ended. My favourite book that I read to improve my mental health during this period was DARE: The New Way to End Anxiety and Stop Panic Attacks (external link, opens in new window)  by Barry McDonagh. Reading this really helped me face my fears and enter life after high school with an improved mindset. 

It’s so easy to feel like you don’t need to be on top of your school work anymore once you’ve submitted your applications. I thought my grades for the second semester wouldn’t matter. I quickly learned that it’s so important to keep your grades up, especially if you get waitlisted like I did. The entire year matters! Since I had a spare period in Grade 12, I would use that time to go above and beyond for my assignments. Math is really difficult for me, especially when I took Calculus and Vectors. So, I tried my best to delve deeper into the concepts with the extra time that I had, and asked for clarification when I needed it. 

If you’re like me and love scrolling through Pinterest, this won’t disappoint you. I created a folder that helped me romanticize my soon-to-be university experience. It’s one of the things that helped me feel excited about the change. For journalism, I added pins of studying motivation, outfit ideas, autumn on campus and all-things Rory Gilmore. 

I got in contact with TMU alumni to ask them about their program experience in the Journalism program. I watched “day in the life” videos on social media to get a feel for the assignments and student life. I also found and contacted Journalism students to see if there were any further technology or academic requirements that I needed to be aware of. I found these connections through my faculty and programs' Instagram pages. My go-to accounts for updates within my faculty and program are @thecreativeschl (external link, opens in new window)  and @journalismtmu (external link, opens in new window) .

Before the school year begins, it’s good to reflect on your programs' tuition and fees. I worked all throughout Grade 12 to gain independence in my finances before graduating high school. It’s also a good way to keep yourself busy throughout the waiting period. Aside from this, one of the main reasons I started working was to build my social skills and meet new people. 

If you’re still in high school, this tip is for you! When I got waitlisted for Journalism, it was really easy to doubt my potential, especially when those around me got accepted to their dream programs. Even though it was so important to keep up with my grades, I found myself so caught up in the guilt of enjoying anything else. I felt the pressure of being told that “high school is supposed to be one of the best years of your life.” I decided to change my mindset, have fun and cherish the little things that I actually did have control over during my last year. Such as attending graduation, prom and taking every chance I got to be with my friends before we parted ways the following year. 

While you’re waiting to hear back from us, take a look at the six steps you should complete after applying!

Bye for now,

Hadiqah