Embrace Your Unique College Journey with Less Stress and More Clarity

As you embark on the college admissions journey, the pressure to succeed can feel overwhelming. I remember my own high school days, full of anxiety about SAT scores, essays, and the daunting prospect of rejection from your dream school.

Yet, looking back, I realize that much of this stress was unnecessary. Here’s why high schoolers applying to colleges should stress less, and some methods to calm anxieties about college admissions.

Understanding the Big Picture

First, it’s essential to understand the big picture. College is not the sole determinant of future success in life. While it’s a significant step, it’s just one of many steps in your life’s journey. Remember, some of the most successful people didn’t attend prestigious universities or even college at all. Your worth and potential are not defined by the colleges you get into.

During my application process, I was fixated on getting into a ‘top’ school. But later, I realized that success is more about personal growth, passion, and resilience, rather than the name of the college on your diploma.

Managing Expectations

It’s important to manage your expectations. Accept that rejection is a part of the process and doesn’t reflect your value as a person or student. I learned this the hard way; I remember the disappointment I felt when I didn’t get into Yale, a school my mom attended and where I had envisioned continuing the family legacy.

It felt like a personal failure at that moment. However, in hindsight, this rejection was a pivotal moment that redirected my path towards something more aligned with my true aspirations. It led me to the Brown-RISD dual degree program, a unique and innovative environment that was more in tune with my passion for art and creativity.

This program, combining the strengths of Brown University and the Rhode Island School of Design, offered me a blend of rigorous liberal arts education and specialized artistic training — something Yale couldn’t have provided in the same way. Remember, each rejection is a step towards finding your true fit, a place where you can fully realize your potential.

Strategies to Reduce Stress

Since my days as a high school student, I’ve picked up little tidbits and insights I wish someone had shared with me earlier. All of these suggestions can help you mitigate your stress about colleges and other stressful periods of your life.

• Focus on Fit, Not Prestige: Look for colleges that fit your academic interests, personality, and career goals, rather than chasing prestige. This approach makes the process more enjoyable and less stressful.
• Practice Self-Care: Engage in activities that help you relax and unwind. Whether it’s reading, exercising, or spending time with friends, maintaining a balance is key to managing stress.
• Seek Support: Talk to family, friends, or a counselor about your anxieties. Many of your friends in high school are probably going through the same types of anxiety and it can be good to vocalize how you feel. Sometimes, just voicing your concerns can be incredibly relieving.
• Mindfulness and Meditation: These practices can help center your thoughts and reduce anxiety. I started practicing meditation during my senior year, and it greatly helped in calming my mind during an especially stressful time.
• Stay Realistic: Understand the ‘perfect college’ doesn’t exist. Every institution has its pros and cons. Focus on finding a place where you can best learn and grow.
• Celebrate Small Wins: Celebrate completing an application or acing an interview. These small victories can boost your morale and help put your mind at ease about the entire process.
• Engage in Extracurricular Activities: Stay involved in the activities you love and enjoy. This not only enhances your applications, but also keeps your mind off the stress.

While the college admissions process is important, it’s not worth sacrificing your mental health over. By adopting a balanced approach, managing expectations, and employing stress-reduction strategies, you can navigate this journey more calmly and effectively. Remember, college is just a step towards your future — it’s not the entire journey. So, breathe, plan, and embrace the journey with a positive mindset. Your future self will thank you for it.

– Mentor Rémy

Does this article resonate with you? You or a high school student you know could get mentorship from the author of this article or another one of our mentors, each of whom is a graduate of an Ivy League, Stanford, or MIT.

Schedule a free consultation call to explore mentorship and project possibilities that align with your interests.