What to do while waiting to hear back about graduate school applications

When I was waiting to hear back on my second round of graduate school applications, I spent a LOT of time thinking about the my personal top three programs.  All of these programs had something interesting to offer.  All of them had great faculty, better than average job prospects (which were still terrible in our field, but whatever), and they were all in what I considered to be desirable or interesting locations.  On top of that, they all had cache.  I had a big chip on my shoulder stemming back to my days as a middle school student, and dammit, I wanted to sound impressive at cocktail parties. 

I would ask dozens of hypotheticals in my head while waiting to hear back from grad schools. What if I got into my favorite program and my third favorite program - but got a better financial package from my third favorite school?  I asked my friends who knew nothing about the programs just for another opinion - "Where would you rather see me go?" 

What I didn't realize at the time, is that much of this thinking was simply wasted energy.  I should have just spent a bit more time studying the ins-and-outs of each program.  It turned out that I was admitted to two of my top three programs.  While I had a good experience talking with the faculty from one of those two programs - the faculty at the second school (which was initially my third overall choice) suddenly started blowing me away with phone calls and e-mails.  They were friendly, knowledgeable and did a great job selling me on the program.  

What I should have done while waiting on those applications is taken up a new hobby.  I should have played a few more rounds of golf or gone snowboarding.  I should have spent less time thinking about where I would end up until all of my cards were on the table.  

So - if you're reading this waiting to hear back on graduate school applications.  Maybe spend some time making a few files, filling each file with information about each program to which you applied.  Then go outside.  Go for a hike.  Spend some time at the gym.  Learn a new hobby. 

Don't get too caught up in worrying about hypotheticals.  Let the chips fall where they may and often the decision will essentially be made for you.