Teenage years are always challenging, and the added uncertainty regarding future goals, college pursuits, and financial stress only complicated them even more. As a result, many students arrive at the end of high school feeling exhausted and defeated and start to think of college admissions as a task they have to “get through.”
To many, getting into a college or university might seem like a race against time. However, it can be simplified multi-folds with the proper guidance and resources.
The best way to fight college application stress is to accept that college applications are a tedious task, then take the time to unwind and strategize. Here are some tips for surviving the college application stress:
Plan Ahead of Time
The best way to fight college application stress is to plan beforehand. When you evaluate colleges and universities, you’re met with various criteria you might want to consider. Planning ahead of time gives you enough time to weigh the benefits of each of them better.
"International students need to plan ahead, especially with regard to requirements and deadlines. Our requirements are very specific at Caltech. It doesn't matter where you are coming from in the world - you're expected to meet those requirements, especially in the math-science core and testing expectations, coming out of high school. We don't bend at all on them. So international students have to hit those requirements by the time they apply or at least while in the process of applying."
- Jarrid Whitney, Executive Director of Admissions and Financial Aid - California Institue of Technology
Do your Research
With the vast number of colleges and universities, it is essential to do thorough research based on your requirements. Know what you are looking for in a college and use online resources to know more about whether or not a particular university aligns with your values. Consult your counselors, and get in touch with alumni to refine your research further.
Get in Touch with College Consultants
When you begin researching, you’ll find information that might confuse you. So, connect with experts who can guide you in the right direction and ease your application process.
Organize, Organize, Organize
One of the best ways to fight stress is to be well prepared and organized. Keep tabs on the college application and submission deadlines and give yourself a timeline to prepare for the same so that you do not meet the deadlines unprepared.
Reduce the Essay Stress
Not knowing what to talk about in your essays can trigger panic in many students. Assess the essay prompts and introspect how your experiences might relate to them. The more your talk about your personal experience, the easier it becomes to write your essay. Take time to introspect because that eases out your writing process.
Get your Application Reviewed
One way to make sure your application is mistake-proof is to get it reviewed by various people. They can provide you with insights into how you can improve your essay. In addition, request your counselors to read and check your applications thoroughly so there is no room for errors.
Take Practice Tests
Before you take the actual tests, make sure you sit through multiple practice tests to get a hold of your strengths and weaknesses. Then, work harder on your weaknesses to feel more confident during the tests.
Take breaks
Make sure you take enough breaks from the application process to do things that help you alleviate stress. Get enough sleep, go out with friends, exercise, journal, and do things that make you happy while dealing with college applications.
Experiencing some stress during the process of college applications is expected. However, if you feel overwhelmed by the process, get in touch with people who can guide you and help you relax.
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