Going to college is often seen as a significant milestone in a person’s life, but the journey to get there can be incredibly stressful. Applying to colleges, getting accepted, and trying to win scholarships can create a whirlwind of emotions and challenges for students.
The college application process itself can be overwhelming. Students must research the school they are looking for and apply, and find the right fit for their academic and personal goals. This involves understanding the programs offered and campus culture, location, and financial aid opportunities. Before going on visits, researching and knowing what the school offers will also take some stress off, so you don’t have to worry whether it is the right choice or not. Once students have narrowed down their choices, the next step is to prepare applications, which typically include essays and/or letters of recommendation. Each component requires effort, which adds to the overall stress.
Acceptance into college can feel like a very close volleyball game. The points are so close from both teams during the last volleyball game of the season, causing your anxiety to skyrocket, which is how it feels to get accepted from an athlete’s perspective. Students often experience anxiety over whether their applications will be successful and if they will get accepted. This pressure is the competitive nature of college admissions, where many institutions receive far more applications than they can accept. Knowing that not everyone gets accepted will, of course, scare a student. The fear of rejection can weigh heavily on students, making the waiting period for admissions decisions particularly nerve-wracking.
Securing financial aid is another source of stress for college students as the cost of higher education continues to rise, making scholarships and grants essential for many families. Students must navigate every scholarship opportunity, which requires research, organization, and often, the completion of multiple applications. Each scholarship may have different requirements and deadlines, and this leads to a feeling of being overwhelmed. The pressure to secure funding can add another layer of anxiety to an already challenging process.
The journey to college is very stressful, from the initial application process to the challenges of securing financial aid. Taking breaks from the stress of applying to college and signing up for scholarships will always help relieve stress, as well as hanging out with friends or just clearing your mind by doing your favorite hobbies. Students must manage their time effectively, maintain their academic performance, and cope with the emotional ups and downs of waiting to be accepted. Coping with everything while getting into college is easier said than done, so finding good coping skills will help tremendously. While the rewards of attending college can be significant, the path to get there is often very scary for any high school graduate.
