7 Tips to Overcome College Admissions Stress

For many, applying to colleges can be an overwhelming experience. It can often lead to the question, “Why are college applications so stressful?” If you are a student (or parent) battling college admissions anxiety, you’re not alone! Here are expert tips on how students can overcome college admissions stress at every stage of the process.

Key Takeaways:

The college admissions process can be stress-inducing for students. Fear of rejection, competition, and procrastination are some of the many reasons the college application process is so stressful.
Although many students feel anxious at some point throughout the college admissions process, much of this anxiety can be avoided by taking action early and practicing our recommended self-care strategies.
Parents and guardians play an important role in the process, not only because they can experience anxiety, too, but because they can help combat potential stress for their teens.

Why Are College Applications So Stressful?

Understanding the root cause of stress is the best way to overcome it. We’re firm believers that the college admissions process doesn’t have to be stressful. In fact, we make an active effort to ensure the students we work with navigate the process with ease.

College applications represent a significant life transition, and with that comes a lot of anxiety about the future. Specifically, stress about unplanned outcomes such as deferrals, rejections, or redirections (as we call it here).

Here are a few reasons why this process can feel so overwhelming:

Procrastinating College Application Prep

If you’ve read our blogs before, you know how often we encourage families to start preparing for college applications early. It goes without saying, but leaving anything until the last minute is a surefire way to increase stress levels. Procrastination can lead to missed deadlines, rushed essays, and avoidable mistakes. All of which can interfere with a student's admissions chances.

Leaving things until the last minute often leads to a fight against time. Where students who did not take prerequisites or involve themselves in extracurricular activities early are scrambling to meet college requirements in grades 10 or 11.

High Stakes & Competitive Requirements

Students often believe that the college they attend or the major they study will make or break their entire future. Spoiler alert, they don’t! But it doesn’t help that many publications feed their perception by sharing selective acceptance rates or rankings of the most competitive colleges in the country. Despite highly selective colleges accounting for less than 10% of the college admissions landscape, it’s hard not to cling to these narratives and feel overwhelmed before starting the process.

The competitiveness of college admissions is increasingly prevalent for students aiming at highly selective colleges. The reality is, that selective colleges don’t have enough seats for the number of qualified applicants. With odds stacked against students, the stress of the process is only intensified.

Being Evaluated on Numbers and Outcomes

High school is a journey, and every journey has its highs, lows, and nuances. Many students feel anxious about submitting these quantitative components. Factors such as GPA or standardized test scores can feel cold and impersonal measures of a student’s success. This can be stress-inducing for students who may not be the strongest academically or test poorly under pressure.

Fear of Rejection

Fear of rejection is very real. The good news is that many people, even adults, experience this throughout their lifetime. Rejection is a normal part of life, but in college admissions, it can feel like utter defeat. This anxiety can stem from a variety of sources: social pressure or internalized expectations.

This is why we don’t use the term “dream college.” Why? This phrase can set students up for unnecessary disappointment. If a student is rejected from their “dream college,” it may feel like their world is crumbling. It can feel like a personal failure—even when it’s far from the truth. So, if you’re a student conducting college research or perhaps have been deferred or rejected by a college, we’re here to tell you that everything will be okay. It might not seem like it right now, but it will in time.

Later in this blog, we’ll provide more insight into how students, parents, and guardians can reframe this mentality and be intentional about college selection.

7 Tips on How to Overcome College Admissions Stress

1. Start the Process Early

By starting early, students can create a structured schedule to tackle every application component. Splitting college application preparation into manageable pieces is the best way to face unexpected obstacles or work toward your desired outcome.

Is there a right time to start working on college applications? We encourage students to start thinking about an admissions plan as early as grade 9. It may seem like overkill, but great college applications aren’t built overnight—they’re built in grade 9 through exploration. Having strong essays, academics, and extracurriculars relies on students having done their due diligence in grade 9 to gather prerequisites, build study habits for standardized tests, and explore their interests. Without building a foundation in grade 9, students are left to work against time when presenting their accomplishments to colleges.

2. Reframe Your Mindset

Don’t let the college admissions process define you. Instead, broaden your measure of success and consider the college admissions process as only one piece of the larger puzzle. The future is malleable, and students have plenty of time to reach their long-term goals. Sometimes they may take the route they originally set out to take. Other times, they may encounter a detour. No matter what college decision a student is faced with, it’s about how they make the most of their opportunities and experiences.

Here are some suggestions on how you can reframe your mindset to avoid college admissions anxiety:

Focus on What You Can Control

It’s easy to fixate on college decisions or past grades and how this can make or break your college admissions experience. Instead of dwelling on things you can’t control, focus on how you can show your strengths, demonstrate growth, and provide context.

Many colleges evaluate applicants holistically and encourage students to provide context for their experiences. Had a bad year because of personal obstacles? Use the Additional Information section of the Common App to provide clarity. Flunked the ACT or SAT? Consider test-optional schools.

Recognizing areas where you can control the narrative being told to colleges is the best way to feel confident about the application you’re submitting and the outcome you hope to achieve.

Colleges Reject Applications, Not People

Many factors go into the college admissions process and how colleges evaluate applicants. As we mentioned earlier, sometimes it even comes down to the institution not having enough seats. It’s important to remember that a deferral or rejection is not a reflection of who you are or what you are capable of.

Rejections are Redirections

A “no” from a specific college does not limit your potential. It also isn’t the end. We often remind students that redirections can even lead students to a college that is better suited for them and their long-term goals. Students may also face a detour before ending up at their desired destination. Trust the process and keep an open mind.

3. Practice Self-Care

No matter where you are in the process, practicing self-care is vital to managing stress. If you’re preparing to take the SAT or ACT, don’t pull an all-nighter or skip breakfast the morning of the exam. Rest and recharge to ensure you’re showing up to your test as your best self.

Practicing self-care near the end of the process is just as important. Say you just submitted your applications and are in the waiting phase. Avoid checking your email every day. Take a step back and ground yourself. Eat healthy, sleep well, disconnect when necessary, and prioritize exercise. These simple practices can make a big difference in your overall well-being.

4. Have a Plan B, C, and D

Having a backup plan is crucial to avoid potential stress. Even the most qualified applicants need to have a plan B or C. Applying to a range of colleges, including safety schools, will open families up to options at the end of the process.

Even mapping out a transfer plan can make the process less stressful. Students who are facing deferrals or redirections may want to weigh the pros and cons of potentially transferring to a specific college they have their eyes set on.

5. Seek Support

You don’t have to go through the process alone. Reach out to parents, teachers, counselors, or friends for guidance and encouragement. Even the smallest amount of support can make all the difference. Asking for help early can give you enough time to prepare an action plan to conquer the obstacle you are facing and make it more manageable.

6. Don’t Focus on What Colleges Want to See

Each year, students kickstart their college application process, assuming they have a foolproof acceptance strategy. Presenting an application that they think colleges want to see. The truth is that it doesn’t work. Colleges aren’t looking to admit all of the same students. They aim to create a well-rounded class with unique individuals who bring something new to their campus. That’s why authenticity is important when preparing a college application.

Instead of looking to create a cookie-cutter application, focus on telling your own story. One that highlights your passions, interests, and genuine experiences. By embracing your individuality and being authentic, you’re more likely to impress admissions officers and find a college right for you.

7. Prioritize Quality over Quantity

This practice can be most rewarding with the help of an expert. Sometimes submitting a test score may be beneficial at one college, but detrimental at another. Other times it may not be favorable to apply to too many or too few schools. Working with a professional who can help families weigh these factors can help them understand their options and chances of success.

Prioritizing quality over quantity is especially true when listing extracurricular activities. It’s better to list fewer activities that reflect impact and commitment than a list of activities with minimal involvement. It also makes juggling academics, extracurriculars, and being a teenager much easier. By avoiding the checklist approach, application planning is more manageable and decreases the chances of a student overextending themselves.

Tips for Parents and Guardians Navigating the College Admissions Process

College admissions stress doesn’t just manifest among students. As you help your teen navigate this significant milestone, it’s important to stay grounded and strike a balance between being supportive and encouraging independence. Here are some helpful tips to consider:

1. Encourage but Don’t Judge

We listen and we don’t judge. It’s understandable to want the best outcome for your teen, but sometimes placing too much pressure on them can lead to burnout, dissociation, and a lack of interest in the process. Instead, encourage them to lead their college research, explore their interests, and make decisions on their own.

2. Model a Positive Mindset

Your teen can take cues from how you handle stress or what you think about the decisions they make. Focus on creating a safe space for them to turn to you when in need of help. Here are a few ways to show up for your teen:

Reinforce Value and Celebrate Effort

Don’t focus on just the outcomes. Take the time to celebrate the hard work they’ve put into their progress without focusing on the results. Doing this reinforces the idea that they are more than a college decision.

Prepare for Rejection

Rejection is a real possibility, and it can feel tough for students and their families when faced with bad news. Having a game plan to ensure your teen feels supported when they feel defeated is important. Help them focus on the positives and discuss an action plan if your family has to explore other options.

Each year, students share raw reaction videos to college decisions, and sometimes they aren’t always filled with families jumping in excitement and celebrating. We’d like to share one of our favorites.

@ummhey167 @University of Miami 💔 #fyp @Alix Earle ♬ original sound - Sophia Lowe

3. Manage Your Expectations

It’s easy for parents and guardians to trickle their expectations onto their teens. Sometimes what we think is best for them may not be the best. Focusing on the best fit or discussing backup plans can alleviate some pressure they may be experiencing.

4. Be Realistic about Finances

Don’t keep your teen in the dark about the financial aspect of college admissions. Talk openly about financial aid, scholarships, or budgets. By doing this, your family can set realistic goals or consult with financial aid experts to ensure you’re staying on top of the financial implications that come with sending a teen to college.

Conclusion

Feeling anxious about the college admissions process is completely normal, and avoidable. Taking the time to reflect on triggers and potential stressors is the best way to take control of the process and feel confident.

We hope you’ve found this information helpful. No matter where you are on this journey, Collegewise is here to help.

In the meantime, take a look at some of these additional resources.

Check out our previous webinars for all kinds of advice on college admissions.
Still have questions? Grab a spot at one of our upcoming events and ask our experts directly! We host weekly webinars on a variety of topics.
Connect with one of our experts for a free consultation to learn more about how our college counselors can support you in your college admissions journey.

About Us: With more than 25 years of experience, Collegewise counselors and tutors are at the forefront of the ever-evolving admissions landscape. Our work has always centered on you: the family. And just like we’ve always done, we look for ways for your student to be their best self - whether in the classroom, the applications, or in the right-fit college environment. Our range of counseling, test prep, academic tutoring, and essay management, all with the support of our proprietary platform, lead to 4x higher than average admissions rates.