Applying to college is one of the most stressful academic experiences for students, with three out of four students feeling that it’s a life-defining moment. Three out of four students also worry that small mistakes could hurt their chances of getting in. High expectations, social comparisons and overwhelming advice add to the pressure, sometimes leading to anxiety, depression or eating disorders. It is important to recognize when stress is impacting a student’s mental health. Here’s what to do if it is.
The hidden toll of college applications
Applying to college can be incredibly challenging for high school students. The pressure to be “good enough,” live up to the expectations of others and make the “right” choices for the future can take a serious toll on mental health.
And many students feel it:
- 76% say the application process feels like a life-defining moment[1].
- 73% worry that even a small mistake could hurt their chances of getting in[1].
- 52% say it’s the most stressful academic experience they’ve faced[1].
If you or your loved one is feeling this way too, you’re not alone. Let’s talk about why the application process is so overwhelming, ways to manage related stress and what to do when it starts to feel like too much.
Why is the college application process so stressful?
“High school students are already under a lot of pressure, and that only increases when they’re preparing for or experiencing a big transition like going to college,” explains Adee Levinstein, MS, RD, LD, CEDS-C, collegiate and telehealth partnership manager at Pathlight Mood & Anxiety Center (Pathlight).
Here’s what is making the process even harder:
- High expectations: Many students feel like they need to do something extraordinary to get into college — not necessarily cure a disease or start a nonprofit, but certainly load up on AP classes and make a meaningful impact in their community.
- Social comparison: Seeing classmates and even strangers online celebrate acceptances and achievements can make students question if they’re doing enough — and lead to low self-esteem and depression.
- Too much advice: A staggering 61% of students say they feel overwhelmed by all the advice they’ve received about applying to college, making it harder to feel confident in their decisions [1].
- Pressure to apply to certain schools: About 52% of students feel pushed to apply to a long list of colleges, while 48% feel pressure to apply to schools they aren’t even interested[1].
- Complex admissions processes: More than three-quarters of students (77%) say the college admissions process seems overly complicated, which only adds to their stress[1].
“This pressure can weigh on students and make them feel like they have to excel at all costs. For others, it leads to burnout or becomes so difficult that they shut down completely,” adds Levinstein.
Five ways to deal with college application stress
Applying for college can feel overwhelming, but there are ways to make it more manageable. Here are Levinstein’s tips for applying to college while caring for your mental health:
- Breathe. This can be a stressful time, and taking care of yourself will set the foundation for doing your best. Step away when you need to, take deep breaths or do something that helps you reset. Try this brief breathing practice now.
- Ask for support. You don’t have to do this alone. Find a person you trust, whether a friend, family member or someone in your school or community who can help with college applications, support big decisions and offer encouragement along the way.
- Make a plan. You can only do one thing at a time. Make a list of your priorities so you have a roadmap to follow, and take it step by step to make it feel more doable.
- Carve out time. Set aside time to work on applications, but also make space for other things you enjoy. Finding balance for both can help you concentrate on the task at hand.
- Consider your values. What feels important to you as you apply to schools? Which schools are a good match for you personally? Let the answers guide your decisions.
Recognizing when college application stress goes too far
The stress of applying to college doesn’t always fade once applications are submitted. For some — especially teens already at risk for mental health conditions — this pressure can lead to symptoms or the development of anxiety, depression and eating disorders.
“Any big changes in mood or behaviors can be a clue that things may have become too stressful,” explains Levinstein. Here are a few signs that stress may be affecting mental health:
- Withdrawing from friends or family
- Increased irritability
- Changes in sleep or eating patterns
If you recognize these behaviors, “seeking professional help can provide support and tools to manage these challenges before they escalate,” emphasizes Levinstein.
Balancing school and mental health care
If college admissions stress has started to affect your mental health, getting help sooner rather than later can make a big difference. Still, many students put off treatment because they’re afraid of falling behind.
“There will never be a perfect or even convenient time, but by choosing treatment, you’re prioritizing yourself. You’re making sure that when you return to school, you’re in a stronger place — mentally and emotionally. You’re not letting your anxiety, mood or eating disorder write your narrative,” Levinstein affirms.
Stepping away for treatment doesn’t mean putting your education on hold. Pathlight offers educational support to help high school students stay on track with school while focusing on their mental health. Because getting the right support isn’t about pausing your life — it’s about making sure you can fully live it.
Your mental health matters
College admissions may feel like the biggest challenge right now, but your mental health matters just as much as your future. If stress from college admissions and mental health struggles feel too hard to manage, you don’t have to push through alone.
Pathlight offers a unique continuum of care model so that you (or your loved one) can get the exact support you need. You don’t have to choose between school and getting better — you can do both. And by addressing your mental health now, you’ll be better prepared for college and beyond.
Reach out today for a free assessment or call us at 866-622-5914 to learn how our personalized treatment plans can help you navigate your mental health journey. It only takes one call to get started.
