Applying to college can be an extremely stressful process for an aspiring student. There is a constant goal of wanting to get into the best school possible, yet hesitance when the thought of rejection comes to mind. You may be thinking…. “It is impossible to go through this process without any stress.” In order to debunk this commonly questioned myth that is detrimental to students’ mental health and levels of stress, taking into account all aspects of worry this time of year is detrimental. 

One way to take some weight off of your shoulders is to understand the process. The college application process is composed of several parts, including: researching colleges, taking entrance exams such as the SAT and ACT, and filling out applications. This can be a lot to keep track of, but a clear understanding of every step will help to keep you organized and on track to meet your deadlines. One of the most important things you can do when applying to college is asking for help. Many students learn that reaching out to their friends for help can help them destress.  If you don’t have friends or family who can help you out, then search for online forums or “Subreddits” where students discuss their colleges. When you’re preparing for the college application process, it’s important to stay organized. By creating a timeline of when you will submit your applications, you will be more prepared when the deadline arrives. Keeping a record of when you sent out your applications, as well as when you received responses, will help you know where you stand and identify any areas that need improvement. By following a schedule, you will be less stressed and able to focus on the application process as a whole.

Connecting with parents, guardians, and peers can be a great way to get feedback and get connected with individuals who either went through this process already or are going through the same nerve-wracking times as you are. Talking to someone can help take some of the pressure off, and can give you the space you need to process what’s going on. Having someone to confide in can also be cathartic, and help you feel better about yourself. However, it is important to be mindful of how much information you share with your friends. The disappointment of possibly being rejected from a school of your choice is a significant time of reflection for yourself and yourself only, making it important to weigh the pros and cons before deciding to share anything.

There are many steps and tips that contribute  to making the college application process as stress-free as possible.  Although this time comes with inevitable worries, depending on close peers, learning how to stay calm in difficult situations, and  working diligently will create an exciting process and start to your future.