Now that seniors have completed the bulk of their college applications, the waiting period has officially set in for students to hear back from early action and regular decision schools. Waiting for this news can make each week feel like a year, and it’s often hard to focus on anything but impending notifications and decision dates. With the winter weather making it hard to get outside, distractions can feel few and far between. However, there are still plenty of ways to get your mind off college decisions and take care of yourself.
As one of the largest ice skating rinks in the DMV, the Washington Harbor Ice Rink in Georgetown is a great place to go with friends or family to get your mind away from college decisions. Ice skating is the perfect option to distract yourself, as you and your friends can focus on not falling over as opposed to whether a certain college might admit you. For a closer choice, the ice rink at Rockville Town Center is a go-to for students, being just a 10-minute drive from school.
Reading a new book is one of the best ways to distract yourself from college decisions as well. Whether it’s fiction or nonfiction, getting lost in a book can be the perfect distraction. “Summer Fridays,” by Suzanne Rindell, “Romantic Comedy,” by Curtis Sittenfeld, and “The German Wife,” by Kelly Rimmer all have engaging plots and dynamic characters that can pull anyone in. Managing Editor Emma Karcz recently published a holiday book guide, and I recommend checking out her column for more recommendations on books.
Exploring a new place or trying a new activity can also provide a more fun alternative than dwelling on college decisions. While students may have traveled far for winter break to explore new things, there are easy day trips students can take to occupy themselves for the coming months. Just an hour drive away, Old Town Alexandria is not only picturesque, but has plenty of historic spots and great restaurants. On Saturdays, there is even a farmers market that has been operating for over 250 years.
While a little further away, Richmond is about a two-hour drive and has plenty of distractions for seniors awaiting college decisions. Maymont is an 100-acre park in Richmond that has a Gilded Age mansion on its property, and multiple gardens with a petting zoo. The Carytown district has murals and artwork as well as cool restaurants and shopping. The Byrd Theater is also in Carytown, and has been open since 1928, showing everything from silent films to modern hits.
While it might feel impossible now to not think about college decisions, there are local attractions and new books and shows to look forward to. And, you can’t forget: Keeping up with your assignments remains as important as ever as college decisions are yet to come in.
