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STRESS AND THE COLLEGE ADMISSIONS PROCESS


STRESS AND THE COLLEGE ADMISSIONS PROCESS

Tue Nov 21 2023 · 2 mins read
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To say that the college admissions process makes students and their families “a
little anxious” would be an understatement for most people in almost any grade
of high school. The climate surrounding college admissions has shifted so
drastically in recent years, and for good reason! Many more students are
attending four-year colleges and universities and earning a valuable degree in
the process. But because most schools are not adding seats to their classrooms,
increased competition in admissions has had a rippling effect on many high
school students. Additionally, the increased use of the Common Application has
undoubtedly resulted in students happily submitting more than the suggested
number of applications to schools which they have no intention of applying. More
is more in many minds, even though less is more is the wisdom we encourage in so
many parts of this process.

I’d like to help identify where the anxiety might come from for many students
and parents and make suggestions for how to anticipate and potentially lessen
some of the stress around the college process.

Causes

What causes high school students stress in relation to their future college
application process? The list could probably fill a full page, but here are a
few common themes we often hear or see in the high school students we speak
with.

 * Juggling too much!
 * Taking classes that are too advanced in subjects outside of their strengths.
 * Trying to be great at everything (i.e. school, sports, volunteer work,
   leadership, etc.).
 * Being distracted by social media/texting/technology in general.
 * Taking or preparing for standardized tests.
 * Not being able to say “No” to parents/teachers/friends, etc. who ask for help
   or have expectations that add more to a student’s already full plate.
 * Worrying about what they don’t yet know about their future (i.e. not knowing
   what they want to major in or think they want to do as a career).
 * Writing the most distinguishing college essay or finding the “best topic” to
   write about.
 * Sleep deprivation (usually as a result of all of the above!).

Stress and anxiety can hit students at any time of high school, but with regard
to the college application process, junior year stands out as the most
challenging year for students to manage their anxiety. How can parents and
teachers help?

 1. Help students identify what to prioritize academically and in
    extracurricular activities.
    Are there some clubs that your son signed up for in 9th grade when he didn’t
    know what to get involved in, but has never shown any real interest in or
    has no desire to move in to a leadership position? Would his time be better
    spent in another way that will make him happier but will also add some
    benefit to his personal profile? He might consider a part-time job,
    volunteering in an area of interest, shadowing a family member in a
    potential career or taking up a new sport or hobby. Try to help him find
    some joy in his school day both inside and outside the classroom.
 2. Aim for a balanced curriculum.
    Even though it might sound like it will “look great to colleges” if you take
    every AP class in junior or senior year, that is not the right academic
    curriculum for the majority of high school students. Discuss the importance
    of “balancing” the effort required to earn a B or higher in advanced classes
    within the context of how much your daughter juggles outside of the
    classroom. Would she be better off taking a few advanced courses and scaling
    back in some areas in order to make sure she is getting some sleep each
    night?
 3. Discuss quality vs. quantity
    We often hear the “myth” that still exists in high school that “more is
    better.” In truth, , colleges like to see juniors focus more on their
    strengths and taking their interests to a higher level rather than adding on
    lots of little points of involvement that may prohibit them from really
    learning a new skill or taking on leadership. Try to encourage your student
    to focus on their strengths or find volunteer work that overlaps with their
    interests so that they enjoy how their time is spent.
 4. Manage expectations.
    Many students put more pressure on themselves than their parents would ever
    do, in part because they are trying to please a parent or trying to follow
    in their parent’s or older sibling’s shoes instead of filling their own.
    Helping a student identify her strengths and talents, and maximizing the
    benefit they can get from that talent, is one way you might alleviate some
    stress your student.

The college admissions process has certainly become more stressful in recent
years. But that doesn’t mean that your student needs to succumb to the pressure
of that stress. By staying on top of your timeline and making smart choices
according to the advice above, you can find academic success while maintaining a
healthy balance through the end of high school.


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Life Stages:
 * 12+ and Teens
 * College And University
   

Tags:
 * parenting teens
 * college advising
   

   
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