Keeping it Together: Managing the Stress of College Applications
By: Cat Tatu
24/7Marketing Superstar
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The college application process is an incredibly stressful time for high school students and their families. From figuring out which schools to apply to, to meeting the various requirements and deadlines, the process can most definitely feel overwhelming and exhausting. On top of that, there is also the weighing notion that this is something that is going to affect your future forever. It’s stressful, there’s no way to deny that fact. There is just so much going on, and coping with it all might seem difficult, but I can assure you it’s entirely possible.
The Perfect College For You
One of the biggest sources of stress for students is the fear of not getting into their dream school. For many students, the college they’ll attend will play a significant role in shaping their future careers and opportunities, and the thought of not being accepted can be devastating. This can lead to a lot of anxiety and pressure to perform well on tests, maintain a high GPA, and participate in extracurricular activities.
For other students, the realization that maybe they don’t have the grades or the scores to get into their dream school can be absolutely crushing. That’s where it’s important to understand that there isn’t just one school for you. There are so many universities out there. In fact,
there are almost 4,000 alone in the United States. College counselors will encourage you to apply to a few different universities, particularly using a strategy where you apply to a few safety schools, some target schools, and a few reach schools. Safety schools are the schools you like (or maybe love) but are a little easier to get into. With that sort of application strategy, you’re guaranteed to get in somewhere, and even if it isn’t your dream school, you might arrive there and realize it’s the perfect college for you.
Picking a university isn’t necessarily about prestige. It’s about finding the university where you fit the best, so don’t get too stressed about getting into one specific school when there are 3,999 more out there who might want you.
College Tuitions
Another source of stress is the cost of tuition. The rising cost of higher education can be a major concern for students and their families, particularly for those who may not have the financial means to pay for it. This can lead to students feeling pressure to apply to schools that may not be their first choice but are more affordable.
This is a real concern, especially today, where private universities can cost 80,000 dollars or more a year. It’s stressful having to always check the tuition prices, the financial aid packages, and the opportunities for scholarships, but don’t let the cost deter you from applying. Fancy private schools with the highest tuition also tend to have the most money on reserve. If you’re an appealing candidate, there is a good chance you’ll be awarded financial aid or at least merit aid.
Money is something that is always going to cause some stress, and there’s no way to really avoid that, especially considering the cost of universities, but there are always options, so don’t let money be your deciding factor.
The Application Process
The application process itself can also be stressful, as students must complete a number of different forms and provide transcripts, test scores, essays, and other materials. These requirements can be time-consuming and difficult to complete, particularly for students who are already juggling a full course load and other commitments. One way to alleviate some of this stress is to start the process early and stay organized.
This will help you avoid last-minute panic and ensure that they have enough time to complete all of the necessary requirements. It can also be helpful to seek guidance from school counselors, teachers, and other trusted adults who can provide advice and support throughout the process.
Also, remember, if you need anything from an external party (i.e., recommendation letters and transcripts) it’s always best to ask as early as possible, so you aren’t relying on others to make your deadlines.
It's also important for students to take care of themselves during this process. This means getting enough sleep, eating well, and finding time to relax and de-stress. Exercise and other activities that promote mental and physical well-being can also be helpful in reducing stress. Even though college applications will be taking up a lot of your time, always set aside time just for yourself to destress. It’s imperative to ensure the quality of your work and make sure you don’t get too overwhelmed during the process.
Success is Subjective
Finally, it’s important to remember that the college application process is just one part of a student’s life, and it’s not the end-all-be-all. Not every student gets into their top choice college, and that’s okay. There are many paths to success, and the college a student attends doesn’t define their future. It’s important to keep things in perspective and not put too much pressure on yourself.
In conclusion, the college application process can be a stressful time for students and their families. However, students can navigate the process with less stress and anxiety by starting early, staying organized, being realistic about expectations, taking care of oneself, and keeping things in perspective. Remember to keep calm and do your best, no matter what happens with your college application process, going to college is already a big achievement, no matter where you end up.
24/7 Teach offers courses to prepare you to ace your college applications. Learn more about how to write outstanding essays and make your college application the best it can be through their courses and seminars.
If you are ready to start thinking about the college application process, set up a free strategy call with one of our 24/7 College Admissions specialists and learn everything you need to create a successful college application plan for yourself or your teen.
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